This is a block-printed flag or alam (standard) which would have been carried by Shia Muslims of the Deccan/Hyderabad region during the Muharram procession, which marks the death anniversary of Imam Hussein ibn Ali and is an important Shia event. Flags are commonly carried in India during the Muharram procession, and are usually black or red in colour.The flag has calligraphic inscriptions printed on it alongside floral scrolls and geometrical patterns.