Community members and historians urge authorities to restore the 200-year-old monument
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
NEW DELHI – The Mubarak Begum Mosque, a 200-year-old historic structure located in old Delhi’s Hauz Qazi area, has been awaiting renovation for nearly four years. The mosque’s main dome collapsed on 19 July 2020 following heavy rains. Ironically, the Delhi Waqf Board and the archaeology department have also neglected the mosque’s upkeep despite its recognised historical status.
The mosque’s historical significance is well-documented in the book ‘Waqiyat-e-Darul Hukoomat Dehli’ by Bashiruddin Ahmad Dehlvi. It highlights the mosque’s cultural and architectural value.
The inordinate delay in the mosque’s restoration is causing frustration and concern among residents and historians.
Abdul Rehman, a senior officer at the Delhi Waqf Board, expressed ignorance about the situation. “I need a couple of days to provide information on the matter,” he said showing apathy toward the issue despite his professional brief.
The underlying reasons for the prolonged delay in the mosque’s reconstruction remain unclear.
Sources indicate that initial repair efforts in late 2020 were halted after an engineer got injured on the site. Since then, no progress has been made, and the mosque has been declared a danger zone by the archaeology department, which has also prohibited prayers on its premises.
Naseem Sahar, a prominent social worker, voiced the community’s frustration: “We have sent notices to the authorities several times on the issue, but no action has been taken. There were hopes from the Aam Aadmi Party, but in many cases, this party has also shown indifference, which causes pain.”
Local journalist Muhammad Rahim Rafih criticised the Waqf Board and the government. “This is happening due to their incompetence. The delay in the restoration of this historical heritage is a matter of concern and immediate steps are needed for its reconstruction.”
The Mubarak Begum Mosque, built between 1822 and 1823 during the twilight of the Mughal empire under British rule, was commissioned by a woman named Mubarak Begum. The mosque stands as a significant monument in Delhi’s architectural history.
