The 16th-century Jama Masjid in Moradabad;s Sambhal Uttar Pradesh, is not just a beautiful architectural marvel, but also a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of India.
Built during the reign of the first Mughal emperor, Babur, it stood tall for centuries until it became embroiled in a contentious debate in the aftermath of the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
The mosque, with its central dome and intricate Persian inscriptions, is a testament to the evolving Mughal architectural style. Its history is intricately intertwined with that of the Mughal empire and its impact on India. However, recent events have brought it into the spotlight and sparked a heated debate over its origins and significance.
Sambhal, the town where the Jama Masjid is located, holds religious significance for Hindus, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth and final avatar of Vishnu. According to Hindu scriptures, Kalki is destined to appear in Sambhal to end the Kalyug (age of darkness). This belief has led to the development of a grand Kalki Dham in Sambhal, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone earlier this year.
However, this religious significance has also sparked a legal dispute over the Jama Masjid. In 2019, advocate Vishnu Shanker Jain filed a petition claiming that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple dedicated to Lord Kalki. The petitioners base their argument on historical texts such as “Baburnamah” and “Ain-e-Akbari,” which document Babur’s destruction of temples during his reign.
The court took note of this petition and ordered a survey of the mosque on November 19, 2024. This decision was met with criticism from various quarters, with allegations of judicial overreach and procedural irregularities. The Muslim community and the Jama Masjid management committee strongly opposed the survey, citing the Places of Worship Act, 1991.
This Act prohibits altering the status of any religious site as it existed on August 15, 1947. It was enacted to prevent any further communal disputes and to preserve the religious harmony of the country. However, the petitioners argue that this Act does not apply to the Jama Masjid as it was not a Hindu temple before Babur’s alleged destruction.
The legal battle over the Jama Masjid has brought to light the complex and often contentious relationship between religion and history in India. While some historians claim that remnants of pre-existing Hindu temples were integrated into the mosque’s construction, others argue that this is not enough evidence to prove that it was built on the ruins of a temple.
At the heart of this debate lies the question of whether historical events should be used to justify present-day actions. The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992 was a major turning point in India’s communal landscape. It sparked widespread violence and left scars that are still healing today. The legal dispute over the Jama Masjid has reopened old wounds and reignited communal tensions.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has also come under scrutiny for its handling of the situation. The ASI is responsible for the protection and preservation of historical monuments in India, including the Jama Masjid. However, it has been accused of neglecting its duty by failing to take control of the site and allowing it to become embroiled in a legal battle.
The controversy surrounding the Jama Masjid highlights the need for a balanced approach towards preserving India’s diverse heritage. While it is essential to protect and respect religious sentiments, it is also crucial to uphold historical facts and ensure that they are not manipulated for political gain.
In conclusion, the 16th-century Jama Masjid in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, is more than just a mosque. It is a testament to the rich cultural and historical heritage of India. The legal dispute over its origins and significance is a reflection of the complex relationship between religion and history in our country. As we move forward, it is essential to find a way to preserve both without compromising one for the other. Only then can we truly honor the legacy of our past and build a better future for all.
