Preserve heritage: Battle to save the historic Sunehri Masjid in Indian capital

Many historians express their concern about deliberate destruction of mosques and planned demolition of Muslim monuments in India

Muslim Network TV editorial team

A battle is raging in the heart of India’s bustling capital New Delhi. On the one hand, the city administration has proposed the demolition of the historic Sunehri Masjid, citing the need to ensure sustainable mobility.

On the other hand, a passionate group of architects, historians and Muslims are campaigning for the preservation of this 200-year-old architectural gem, which has great historical significance.

Built with Lakhori bricks, the Sunehri Masjid is a testament to the rich history and architectural splendor of South Asia. The mosque, which is located near the Indian Ministry of Commerce and the Air Force Headquarters, was declared a Heritage Site III in 2009, highlighting its historical significance.

Historian S. Irfan Habib and monument conservator Rana Safvi recalled that freedom fighter Hasrat Mohani used to stay in this mosque during the sessions of the Constituent Assembly. The mosque is just half a kilometer away from the Indian Parliament building. Thus, the mosque and the place are closely associated with the nation’s freedom struggle.

Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah expressing his deep reservations about the notification issued by the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

He emphasized the damage that the demolition would do to the “common cultural heritage” and highlighted the importance of the mosque in portraying the pluralistic ethos of the nation.

Another Muslim organization, Jamaat e Islami Hind, has knocked on the door of the Delhi High Court for the protection of the mosque.

“This mosque has a historical and cultural status and is on the list of 141 historical places in Delhi. It also has the status of a religious place. The then Imam of the Jama Masjid (grandfather of the present Imam) signed an agreement on behalf of the Muslims of India with the then Prime Minister Nehru guaranteeing the security of the mosque,” the petition reads.

Historian Swapna Liddle points out that the Sunehri Masjid occupies a unique place in the city’s cultural heritage. A century ago, it was even listed by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in recognition of its Mughal-era origins. Liddle argues that the provision for demolition of monuments is primarily a last resort and not a common practice, and that this situation does not justify such a measure.

Many historians are concerned about the pattern of targeting mosques and planning the demolition of Muslim monuments.

Earlier this year, a two-century-old dargah, the Nanhe Mian Chishti Dargah, was demolished, raising eyebrows and causing many to doubt the preservation of Delhi’s rich history.

Umair Shah, an Instagram influencer known as ‘Sikkawala’ who has extensively researched architectural ruins in India, points to the systematic removal of historical buildings that are often overshadowed by other developments.

There are three Sunehri Masjids in Delhi, and while the one in the Red Fort enjoys Grade 1 heritage status, another stands in the Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi.

The third one, which is now under threat of demolition, is a Grade 3 World Heritage Site and is significant for its contribution to the development of the city during the colonial era.

According to experts, the dispute over the Sunehri Masjid also raises questions about heritage protection.

Indian historian Mridula Mukherjee argues that the decision to demolish or preserve monuments should be based on expert opinion and not on popular sentiment.

She emphasizes that the historical significance of monuments must be judged by experts and that it is important to preserve the monuments in Delhi.

The conflict also extends to the ownership of land: The Delhi Waqf Board claims that the land belongs to the central government, while the New Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) claims that the land belongs to the central government.

Recent court cases have ended with both parties agreeing to abide by recorded commitments, but the fate of the mosque still hangs in the balance.