Key points
- Aurangzeb’s Haveli reportedly demolished by builder
- It served as residence of Mughal Emperors such as Shah Jahan
- Indian media says demolition carried out in connivance with officials
ISLAMABAD: A 17th-Century Mughal-era heritage site in India’s Agra – the once-iconic Mughal Empire’s capital on Yamuna River about 230 kilometres southeast of Delhi – has largely been demolished by what locals say a builder.
Mubarak Manzil, also known as Aurangzeb’s Haveli, was demolished three months after the Uttar Pradesh state’s archaeological department issued a protection notice.
Right-wing Hindu groups have repeatedly targeted Muslim heritage sites in India.
Residents told the Indian media that more than 100 tractor loads of debris were cleared from the site following the demolition.
Economic Times reported that in September, the state archaeological department issued a notice inviting objections to declaring the site a protected monument within a month, but no objections were raised.
Following the notice, officials from Lucknow – the capital of the state of Uttar Pradesh – visited the site to start preservation efforts. However, demolition began shortly after their visit, resulting in the structure being left in ruins.
Times of India quoted locals as saying that the builder, in connivance with police and administrative officials, carried out the demolition despite objections and the presence of a police outpost near the site along the Yamuna River.
A resident told the publication that they had filed several complaints with authorities, but no action was taken, and the demolition continued. So far, 70 per cent of the structure has been destroyed, he said.
Historical significance
Built during Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign, Mubarak Manzil boasts a significant place in Indian history.
The iconic heritage site was detailed in Austrian historian Ebba Koch’s book ‘The Complete Taj Mahal and the Riverfront Gardens of Agra’.
According to historians, it served as the residence of key Mughal figures, including Shah Jahan, Shuja, and Aurangzeb. The structure was modified under British rule, becoming a customs house and salt office. By 1902, it was known as Tara Niwas.
Historical records, including Archibald Campbell Carlyle’s 1871 report and a marble plaque at the site, highlight the significance of Mubarak Manzil.
Historians say it was built by Aurangzeb after his victory at the Battle of Samugarh.
The structure’s unique blend of Mughal and British architectural influences was reflected by the red sandstone base, arched lower floors, and minarets, the report added.
Threats to Mughal Heritage
In October 2022, a leader from incumbent prime minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) filed a petition to India’s Supreme Court seeking the establishment of a fact-finding committee to “study the real history” of the Taj Mahal, a 17th-century mausoleum.
More appalling negligence of India’s heritage-
One of the most important historicbuildings in Agra destroyed with the full connivance of the authorities. This is exactly why India attracts so few tourists.Agra’s 17th C Mubarak Manzil razed by ‘builder’
https://t.co/EHPlqB9pJH— William Dalrymple (@DalrympleWill) January 3, 2025
Rajneesh Singh, head of the BJP’s media relations in Ayodhya, north India, said in the petition although it is said the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal, there is no “scientific evidence” to prove this as fact.
Though the attempt was foiled by the Indian court, the BJP leaders over the years have been repeating and amplifying unhistorical claims that the Taj is in fact a Hindu temple, which was built much before the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan.
Hindutva-driven activists have been accused of peddling the narrative all across India against historical monuments built by Muslim rulers.
