In the heart of India’s bustling capital, Delhi, lies a tale of displacement and cultural upheaval. A 12-year-old boy, Fawad, found solace amidst the verdant surroundings of Akhoondji Mosque, where he sought refuge after the sudden loss of his parents. For two years, the mosque and its adjoining madrassa provided him with a sense of belonging amid the chaos of relocation.
However, Fawad’s sanctuary was shattered on 30th January, when the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) razed the centuries-old mosque, citing illegal encroachment. Alongside, the demolition extended to the madrassa, a sacred graveyard, and a shrine dedicated to a Sufi saint nestled within the mosque’s precincts.
The DDA contends that the mosque stood on unlawfully acquired land, a claim vehemently refuted by the imam, Zakir Hussain, and their legal representative, Shams Khwaja. According to them, the property rightfully belonged to the Delhi Waqf Board, entrusted with the upkeep of Islamic properties across the city. Mr. Hussain alleges a lack of formal notice preceding the demolition, along with the confiscation of crucial property records.
Demolition of Mosque leads to communal discord
While the DDA maintains its actions were lawful, the Delhi High Court’s recent observation underscores the broader dilemma. The court emphasized the preservation of Delhi’s forests while acknowledging the significance of monuments recognized by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
The demolition of Akhoondji symbolizes a larger narrative of historical erasure and communal discord. Critics decry the targeted destruction of Muslim heritage sites, evident in the disproportionate number of shrines marked for removal compared to temples.
Beyond the legal wrangling, the demolition of Akhoondji Mosque reverberates as a blow to Delhi’s rich tapestry of history and identity. The mosque, rumored to be as ancient as the city itself, holds tales of Mughal emperors and Sufi mystics, woven into its weathered stones.
Historians lament the disregard for structures that bridge Delhi’s past and present. The clash between urban development and historical preservation underscores a broader societal tension between progress and heritage.
Source: BBC
For residents of Mehrauli, the mosque represented more than just a place of worship; it was a communal hub where diverse voices converged. As Delhi grapples with urbanization pressures, the sanctity of spaces like Akhoondji Mosque becomes increasingly precarious.
While the DDA justifies its actions within the framework of forest conservation, historians argue that such measures threaten to erase invaluable remnants of Delhi’s past. The demolition, despite assurances of legal oversight, underscores the urgent need for nuanced approaches to urban development that prioritize cultural preservation.
The saga of Akhoondji Mosque underscores the complexities of navigating Delhi’s cultural landscape amidst rapid urbanization. As the city forges ahead, it must reckon with the ghosts of its past, honoring the legacies that bind its communities together.
Source: BBC
Ask for New Mosque
In the aftermath of the demolition, Fawad and his companions seek solace in a new mosque, grappling with the absence of familiar green vistas. Amidst the rubble of Akhoondji Mosque lies a poignant reminder of Delhi’s intricate tapestry, where threads of history and heritage intertwine in a delicate dance of remembrance and resilience.
As Delhi confronts its cultural conundrum, it must chart a course that celebrates its diversity while safeguarding its shared heritage for generations to come. The echoes of Akhoondji serve as a call to action, urging stakeholders to tread carefully on the path to progress, mindful of the legacies they leave behind.
An architect who documents the area’s history in his free time, Mr Usama remembers the time he spent at celebrating festivals with the children and meeting travellers from across the country who came to pray at the mosque.
“Even though it was inside the jungle, the place was an important community centre which brought all kinds of people together. For them, its value was practical and not just historical,” he says.
