Shahi Jama Masjid (Urdu: شاہی جامع مسجد) is a historic Mughal-era mosque located in the city of Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh. Established by Babur, the mosque is an important architectural and cultural monument that dates back to the early 16th century. It holds significant religious importance and is a prominent example of Mughal architecture in the region.[1][2] However, in recent years, the mosque has been the subject of controversy, with Hindu nationalist groups alleging that it was built on the remains of a demolished Hindu temple, fueling a dispute over the site's origins.[2][3][4]
| Sahi Jama Masjid Sambhal | |
|---|---|
.jpg) Entry Gate of Shahi Jama Masjid | |
| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Islam |
| District | Sambhal |
| Region | Moradabad |
| Ecclesiastical or organizational status | Mosque |
| Location | |
| Location | Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Territory | Uttar Pradesh |
| Architecture | |
| Type | Mosque |
| Founder | Babur |
| Date established | 1529 |
| Completed | 1589 |
Communal dispute
editTension has escalated in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh. On the morning of November 24, 2024, there were reports of stone-pelting and arson of vehicles, resulting in four deaths. This violence occurred after a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which was conducted following a petition claiming the mosque was built on the site of a demolished Hindu temple from 1526.[5]
The court presided over by Civil Judge (Senior Division) Aditya Singh in Chandausi, Sambhal, ordered the survey on November 19, 2024. The petitioners allege that the Shahi Jama Masjid occupies the site of the ancient Shri Hari Har temple.[5][6]
The mosque is a protected monument, designated as such under the Ancient Monuments Protection Act, 1904, and is included in the list of centrally protected monuments on the ASI website.[7]
Legal petition
editA group of eight petitioners filed the case in Sambhal court, led by pro-hinduvta advocate Hari Shankar Jain, known for his involvement in the Gyanvapi Masjid-Kashi Vishwanath dispute.[8][9]The petitioners claim that the Shahi Jama Masjid is built over the site of the Shri Hari Har temple, which they argue is of ancient significance to Hindus. The petition further alleges that the mosque was forcibly constructed on the site of the temple, and asserts that Hindu scriptures confirm the temple’s importance as a holy site. According to the petition, the Shri Hari Har temple is unique because it houses a 'vigraha' (idol) combining Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, symbolizing their unity. The petition also claims that the temple was built by Lord Vishwakarma at the beginning of the universe.[10][2]
History
editSambhal was once the capital of Prithvi Raj Chauhan before it became an outpost of his kingdom following his shift to Delhi. The city is historically significant, with the tales of legendary protectors like Alha and Udal, who are celebrated in regional folklore.[7]
The Shahi Jama Masjid itself is one of the oldest mosques in Sambhal, constructed in 1526 by Mir Beg under the orders of Emperor Babur. According to tradition, Babur laid the first stone of the mosque, making it a significant historical landmark. The mosque is an excellent example of Mughal architecture and is a major tourist attraction in the area.[11]
References
edit- ^ Asher, Catherine B. (1992-09-24). Architecture of Mughal India. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-0-521-26728-1.
- ^ a b c "Uttar Pradesh: Court-Appointed Commissioner Surveys Mughal-Era Mosque Amid Claims of Ancient Hindu Temple". thewire.in. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ Sharma, Yashraj. "Mosque-temple spat: Why has India's Sambhal exploded into violent clashes?". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ "Sambhal: India city tense after violence over mosque survey". BBC News. 2024-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ a b "UP Sambhal violence: what is the row around the Shahi Jama Masjid". The Indian Express. 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- ^ "संभल: शाही जामा मस्जिद के सर्वे के दौरान हिंसा में 3 की मौत, क्या हैं ताज़ा हालात?". BBC News हिंदी (in Hindi). 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ a b "Survey of Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal completed". The Siasat Daily. 2024-11-24. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- ^ Shah, Amita (2024-02-09). "God's Advocates". Open The Magazine. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ Salaria, Shikha; ThePrint (2022-05-18). "Harishankar Jain, the Gyanvapi lawyer for Hindu gods who thinks 'tolerance is a curse'". ThePrint. Retrieved 2024-11-25.
- ^ Kumar, Mayank (2024-11-22). "After Shahi Jama Masjid survey, Sambhal remains tense amid heavy police presence". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
- ^ "Three Muslims Killed as Locals Opposing Survey of Mughal-Era Mosque in Sambhal Clash With Police". The Wire. Retrieved 2024-11-24.
External links
edit
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