Aligarh Muslim University has been using the land as a riding club for over 80 years
ALIGARH — A 41-bigha plot of land, in use by the Aligarh Muslim University for over eight decades as a riding club, was this week seized by the municipal corporation, claiming to use it for a flyover project.
The university administration maintains that it was preparing a legal challenge to the seizure of the land behind VM Hall, historically employed for horse riding activities and part of AMU’s rich sporting tradition.
The estimated market value of the land exceeds Rs 102 crore.
The long-standing dispute over the land came to a head on April 30 when authorities officially seized it. The land was “reclaimed” by them in a joint operation of the municipal corporation and district administration.
The district administration reportedly discovered that the land claimed by the AMU was actually under the municipal corporation’s control. When officials tried to install pillars for the flyover in March 2023, AMU refused permission, insisting the land belonged to it. However, after a detailed investigation, the administration said that AMU could not provide any legal documentation to prove ownership.
“They never registered the land or included their name in the official records. This led to the authorities taking action,” media reports cited a source within the district administration as saying.
But, AMU’s chief spokesperson, Vibha Sharma, said the university acquired the land more than 80 years ago under the Land Acquisition Act of 1894 through a government order. The university maintained continuous possession of the land for the past eight decades, Sharma said.
“The authorities did not serve any formal notice to the university before the takeover. We are taking all necessary legal steps to re-establish AMU’s rightful ownership of the land,” Sharma said.
The university now faces the grim reality of losing control over a piece of its heritage. “We have occupied this land for over 80 years, and we will take necessary legal steps to restore our ownership,” said Omar Salim Peerzada, an AMU spokesperson, challenging the authorities’ actions.
However, municipal officials justify the operation. Defending the seizure, Municipal Commissioner Vinod Kumar said, “This action will set an example for dealing with illegal encroachments. The team has done a commendable job in freeing this valuable land.” He further stated that the land would be repurposed for government offices and public facilities.
The historical significance of the land cannot be understated. It was integral to AMU’s sporting culture, dating back to the days of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, founded in 1877 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Horse riding, a staple of the institution’s legacy, was a favoured activity among students from aristocratic families. The establishment of the AMU Riding Club in the late 1800s further cemented the tradition, which persisted even after independence despite societal prejudices against it.
Horse Riding became popular in the MAO College because it was not only a favourite pastime for students from feudal families, but also because administrative officials would take rounds on horseback.
The foundation of the Riding Club was laid by Nawab Mohd. Ismail Khan Sherwani, who gifted four well-bred horses. The others who helped the riding club financially in the initial days included the Nawab of Chattari, Nawab Faiyyaz Ali Khan of Pahasu, and the Estate of Bhikampur. JH Toe, Sir Ross Masood, Janab Agha Khan, and Nawab Muzammil-ullah Khan.
————-
Dr Syed Ali Mujtaba studied at AMU from 1978 to 1984. He can be contacted at syedalimujtaba2007@gmail.com
