Particularly, there is a trend in India today to show Islamic rulers’ reign starting with the Sultanate to Mughals as an era of intolerance. This view essentially brings up the exaggerated “destruction of temples by Islamic rulers of India” and presents this as a civilisational attack on Hinduism of today. Apart from the glaring stretch of history and fact that such a view employs, it also selectively reads parts of medieval history to suit the narrative i.e., Islamic Rulers destroyed Hindu temples therefore Islamic Rulers are bad. 

This view has been consistently countered with examples in History where Hindu kings raided Hindu temples and where Muslim Kings- including Aurangzeb-patronised Hindu temples. The counterview depicts the complex nature of Medieval History and the political prominence religious places harboured, therefore being the centre of attacks by rival kings. 

For example, what could be the explanation for Aurangazeb issuing a farman to demarcate 330 Bighas of land to Mahant Balak Das- the priest of Chitrakoot Balaji temple if the popular narrative is that he is a destroyer of temples? The explanation is that there is more to his reign and his relationship with temples and Hindus than the age-old political narrative that has been furthered by the right wing in the country. 

This is not to further such counters or expand them. This article is to present that Islamic influence on pre-Islamic era or the Hindu way of life- manifest in a magnificent culmination of architectural style that represents a meeting of cultures. Why is there a need to discuss this? It is because the era of medieval India is being painted as a grim era and nothing else. Whereas it was much more than that and it certainly was not simple enough to be put into two categories-harmonious or grim. Therefore, it is important to understand more about this era and not be carried away by the narratives that are meant to distort history and divert minds, divide people. 

The tale of Dravidian Mosques

Temple architecture is divided into three categories in India- Nagara style- predominant in Northern India, Dravida Style- predominant in Southern India, Vesara Style- A hybrid of both Nagara and Dravida styles, originating in present day Karnataka. 

Tamil Nadu has some Mosques which are built in Dravidian style although many were built in the 13th and 14th centuries.  Referred to as Kallupallis, these were built like mandaps so that people can pray together. The only condition that was stipulated by whoever commissioned the building of a Mosque was that there should not be any sculptures in the Mosque, on the walls or pillars. Therefore, the masons who are used in constructing temples, carved flowers on the pillars etc. This condition of not carving sculptures was also present during the famed Mughal era. 

As the splinters of Islamic rulers came to the Deccan in the form of Bahmanis, Qutubshahiss and others, this Dravidian style merged with the local ruler specific style, which was in turn inspired by the Islamic style. 

Keezhakarai old Jumma mosque, Image source- Inmathi.com

Jalis- A feature common in Hindu and Islamic architecture

In an average Hindu household, which has a pooja box-having images and small idols of various gods, one can see that the doors are also perforated with a nice-looking design called Jali.

Household Jaali Temple
Source: Woodshala.com

This usage of Jali is a continuation of the practice of ancient prayer sites of Buddhists and Hindus having Jalis to create conditions where light is allowed but also a sense of privacy is given to the congregation. This design was adapted by the Islamic rulers, when constructing Mosques or any other structures to allow light but also maintain privacy on a large scale. This large-scale adoption of Jalis in many structures, like the Hawa Mahal in Jaipur, led to the common usage that we see in day-to-day architecture in India. The Hawa Mahal, built during the rule of Sawai Pratap Singh- a Rajput ruler and designed by Ustaad Lal Chand- is an amalgamation of Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The Hawa Mahal was constructed with many Jali Walls to ensure privacy, diffused light and view.

Hawa Mahal, Jaipur. Image Source- Vijesh Vijayan, Creative Commons

Influence of Islamic Architecture on Temples

Maratha Architecture and its relationship with Islamic Architecture

There was a noted difference between the Yadava tradition of Architecture and Maratha tradition which was influenced by Islamic style for longer periods. The most prominent influence is the materials and the construction systems that were employed. While Yadava architecture was predominantly rooted in stone systems- by using coloumns and pillars to support the layers of stones rather than binding elements-Maratha era temples employed the technique of using cementing materials such as lime-an Islamic way of building temples. It was also found that the early Marathas, in their architecture borrowed from the Sultanate architecture like the Samadhi of Lakhuji Jadhav, 1630. Lakhuji Jadhav was the maternal grandfather of Chatrapathi Shivaji. However, it is important to note that Lakhuji was a Mansabdar of Mughal empire thus showing the connections between the two. 

Pranami Movement and the Prannath Temple, Panna

The Prannath Temple, located in Panna, Madhya Pradesh, is an architectural marvel that reflects the synthesis of Hindu and Islamic elements. It was constructed in 1692. The temple’s design incorporates intricate carvings, domes, and arches reminiscent of Islamic architecture, while also featuring traditional Hindu elements such as ornate pillars, mandapas, and sanctums.

The fusion of these architectural styles at the Prannath Temple symbolises the inclusive philosophy of the Pranami Movement, promoting coexistence and understanding between different religious traditions. The use of domes and arches, typically associated with Islamic architecture, coexists harmoniously with the detailed carvings and sculptures inspired by Hindu art.

Despite fighting the Mughals, Maharaja Chhatrasal Bundela- a Rajput ruler who ruled Bundelkhand- was inspired by Sant Prannath who later became Maharaja’s spiritual guru. Sant Prannath spent the last 11 years of life in Panna, Bundelkhand while preaching his syncretistic religious philosophy that included Islamic tenets to a Rajput Ruler who were one of the prime opposing rulers to the then Mughal ruler Aurangzeb. It is argued that Prannath’s idea of comparative religion had practical applications as he found the crux of both Hinduism and Islam, established a common solidarity thus mitigating conflict. 

Prannath Temple, Panna, Madhya Pradesh
Image Source: panna.nic.in

Conclusion

These examples indicate that there was a movement of knowledge, trade and know how between the kingdoms, irrespective of their religion. The aforementioned examples are testaments to both Hindu and Muslims adopting each other’s styles and trying to intermingle. History is neither all violence nor all peace. It is filled with pockets of violence and peace and when seen from a contemporary viewpoint, lacks abundant information. There is a need to delve deeper into the historical context of medieval India, avoiding oversimplified narratives that categorize the era as either harmonious or grim. The Pranami Movement and the architectural marvels discussed serve as poignant examples of the intricate interplay between different cultures and religions, challenging us to appreciate the rich tapestry of India’s past and resist the distortion of history for contemporary agendas. 

Related:

Gyanvapi controversy manufactured for political gain?

Gyanvapi Case: Copy-Paste Pattern a la Babri Case – Not Just Legally But Politically, Too?

The SC’s decision on ASI Survey of Gyanvapi: An analysis

Gyan Vapi Masjid: Where can we go when our elders are buried here ask anguished Muslims from Varanas

The post Medieval India: Indo-Islamic Architecture is an amalgam of cultures, not at war with each other appeared first on SabrangIndia.

In their pursuit of a religious nationalist objective to transform India into a Hindu nation rather than a secular one, the Bharatiya Janata Party administration has used bulldozers frequently since 2014. Bulldozers have been employed in states including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh to destroy mosques, madrassas, and the residences of a large number of Muslim activists and those accused of committing crimes on the grounds that they were on government or railway property.

Two centuries old Mosques receives notice to remove encroachments from government land:

Recently, the Railways sent notifications to two-hundred-year-old mosques in the capital city requesting that they “remove the encroachments from its land.” The two mosques, Masjid Bengali Market and Taqia Babar Shah, have been existing on the same land since 250 and 500 years respectively. The two mosques are situated on the main route between New Delhi and Ghaziabad. The administration of two mosques reportedly received notices for “encroaching on railway land,” as provided by the officials. Reportedly, the mosque administrations have been given 15 days to remove the structures, failing which the Railways will take action.

As provided by Siasat Daily, a railway official stated that the two structures against which the Northern Railways (NR) has initiated action are both built on Railways’ land. 

As per Siasat Daily, the notice pasted on mosques reads: “Railway property has been illegally encroached upon. You must voluntarily dismantle any unlicensed structures, including temples, mosques or shrines within 15 days of receiving this notice or the railway administration will take legal action. Encroachments that are not permitted will be removed in compliance with the Railways Act. Any damages incurred throughout the procedure will be your responsibility. The Railway administration won’t be held accountable.” 

As reported by the Siasat Daily, the Officials stated that it is a general practice for the Railways to issue notices to encroachers whenever they come to the attention of the authorities. NR CPRO Deepak Kumar said that the encroachments can pose a safety hazard to railway employees and passengers, and they can also damage railway property.

“The NR is committed to ensuring that railway land is used for its intended purpose, and the removal of encroachments is an important part of this commitment,” Kumar added, as per Siasat Daily. 

The post can be viewed here:

Location: New Delhi

Indian Railway authorities have issued a notice for the removal of “encroachment” to Masjid Bengali Market (250 years old) and Taqia Babar Shah mosque (500 years old).

The authorities have threatened action if mosques are not removed within 15 days. pic.twitter.com/RtdFckrKmu

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 23, 2023

Bulldozers ran over 134 houses, most of them belonging to Muslims

On July 21, in Nainital, Uttarakhand, an extensive operation was conducted by the government which related to the demolition of 135 illegal structures that had been erected on King Mahmudabad’s enemy property. It is essential to note that an enemy property is an immovable asset left behind by people who have taken citizenship of Pakistan and China. Reportedly, most of the demolished structures were owned by Muslims in the Raja Mahmudabad area. Notably, the demolition comes in the wake of an ordinance passed by the state government which has made the provision for a 10-year prison term for those who encroach upon government land.

As per a report by the Print, a total of JCB machines and five companies of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), along with eighty sub-inspectors and 150 women constables pressed into action for the demolition work. 

It is essential to note here that to contest the said eviction notices by the district administration, the individuals had approached the Uttarakhand High Court. The HC had dismissed their plea and ordered them to vacate the properties immediately. The bench, led by the Chief Justice, refused to grant any relief to the encroachers, paving the way for the demolition process. Consequently, the bulldozers were deployed to the Metropole locality in Nainital city, where the illegal houses were situated.

The exercise began at 8 am on the Saturday morning, and went on for 11 hours. It was carried out under the supervision of nodal officer and Nainital Deputy Collector Shivcharan Dwivedi, SDM Rahul Shah and Superintendent of Police (crime) Jagdish Chandra, as provided by the Print. The removal of encroachments from the Metropole hotel area will help decongest the city, officials provided.

Considered one of the finest hotels of Nainital at one time, the Metropole Hotel belonged to the Raja of Mehmoodabad and hosted the founding father of Pakistan Mohammad Ali Jinnah and his wife Rattanbai on their honeymoon. After partition, the Raja of Mehmoodabad migrated to Pakistan leaving no legal heirs to the property. Hence, the hotel was declared enemy property according to the law.

The post can be viewed here:

Location: Nanital, Uttarakhand

Local authorities demolished 134 houses, mostly owned by Muslims in the Raja Mahmudabad area, claiming the structures were built on encroached land. pic.twitter.com/VYKViRjlCA

— HindutvaWatch (@HindutvaWatchIn) July 23, 2023

A worrying pattern, a symbol of oppression

It appears that the idea of justice has been altered, and bulldozers have taken its place as its emblem. The country is seeing massive machinery encroaching into specific areas under the guise of anti-encroachment campaigns. The cries of having documentation demonstrating their ownership go unheard by years. Bulldozer politics is a term used to describe a Hindutva political ideology and approach, not the usage of a bulldozer. At the moment, it is activated in areas since general elections are approaching. Its objectives are to foment religious strife, demonise a group of people—usually the Muslim minority—and seize power on the pretext of a purported Hindu identity.

Related:

Plea in Kerala HC alleging illegal encroachment in temple by RSS

Even “encroachers” need to be rehabilitated says Courts

Assam: Gauhati HC orders eviction of “encroachers” from protected reserved forests

Forest Dept admits to faults in eviction notices issued to Van Gujjars, Uttarakhand

G20 related evictions and violence on India’s poor must stop: Jury

Assam: Mass evictions continue as approximately 2500 Bengali-speaking Muslim families get displaced; pleas go unheard

Evictions are at an all-time high as bulldozers gain momentum in the country

The post 134 houses razed, two mosques next: “Bulldozer Justice” continues appeared first on SabrangIndia.

As the court of Varanasi district judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha resumed hearing arguments in the Gyanvapi case, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM) which is the mosque management authority, and the defendant in the case, finished presenting their arguments against the maintainability of the suit under Order 7, Rule 11 (d) of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC).

Hindu petitioners also presented their arguments and the court adjourned the case till tomorrow. Arguments took place amidst high security from 2 P.M onwards today, and reportedly only 60 people were allowed inside the court.

Adi Mahadev Kashi Dharmalay Mukti Nyas

Just yesterday, the Hindu petitioners announced that they had formed a trust to deal with the court case. Prabhat Khabar reports that the trust has been named Adi Mahadev Kashi Dharmalay Mukti Nyas. According to Jagran, the case will now have this trust as a party.

The trust is supported by four out of the original five women petitioners – Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak. The fifth, Kiran Singh, had withdrawn her name from the case, and now the Vishwa Vaidik Sanatan Sangh (VVSS) headed by Jitendra Singh ‘Visen’, a family member of Rakhi Singh, is a petitioner in a parallel case being heard by the fast-track court of civil judge (senior division) Mahendra Kumar Pandey. This second case pertains to restricting Muslim devotees from accessing the mosque, and beginning prayers as per Hindu tradition at the site. That case has been adjourned till July 14.

Hindu petitioners at odds with one another?

Meanwhile, Live Hindustan reports that there’s trouble brewing amidst the Hindu petitioners, with one group accusing the lawyer of siding with the Muslim defendants in the case. According to Live Hindustan, Visen claims that advocate Vishnu Jain, who is representing the remaining four Hindu women petitioners, is associated with the Indian Islamic Cultural Centre. According to Visen, this makes Jain sympathetic to the Muslim defendants and thus unfit to represent Hindu petitioners.

Brief background of the case

Readers would recall that in August 2021, five Hindu women – Rakhi Singh, Laxmi Devi, Sita Sahu, Manju Vyas and Rekha Pathak, who are all Varanasi residents – had moved the Civil Court (Senior Division), demanding that the Maa Shringar Gauri Temple be reopened, and people be allowed to offer prayers before the idols that are still kept there. Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM), which is the mosque management authority, is the defendant in the case.

On April 8, 2022, Civil Judge (Senior Division), Varanasi, Ravi Kumar Diwakar had appointed Advocate Commissioner Ajai Kumar to carry out the survey and asked him to submit a report at the next hearing on May 10. The AIM opposed this, but their petition against the survey was dismissed by the Allahabad High Court on April 21. The lower court in Varanasi, on April 26, then again passed an order to carry out the survey.

The authorities began conducting the video survey on May 5, and AIM moved SC where it highlighted how the Places of Worship Act, 1991, prohibits changing the character of a place of worship from what it was on August 15, 1947. Thus, AIM said that the suit was not maintainable as per Order 7, Rule 11 (d) of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC).

The SC then transferred the case from the court of Civil Judge (Senior Division) Ravi Kumar Diwakar, who had originally ordered the survey, to the court of a more experienced District Judge to decide upon the maintainability of the suit given Order 7, Rule 11.

Meanwhile, Rakhi Singh withdrew from the case.

Now the case is being heard by judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesh of the Varanasi district court. The next date of hearing is July 13.

Related:

Gyanvapi Case: Mosque management committee makes submissions
Gyanvapi case: Varanasi district court to start hearings pertaining to Order 7 Rule 11
Gyanvapi case: Matter pertaining to prohibition of entry of Muslim devotees adjourned till July 14

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An explosion took place in a mosque located in the Spinghar area of Nangarhar in eastern Afghanistan during Friday prayers on November 12. Three people were reported to have been killed in the incident, while at least 15 were reported injured.

Reuters reported that the explosion occurred near the pulpit of the mosque’s prayer leader just as he rose to deliver his sermon around 1:30 P.M local time. The mosque’s Imam was reportedly killed in the blast. However, unlike the two previous blasts in Kunduz and Kandahar where the worshipers were Shia, this time the blast took place in a Sunni mosque.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the attack so far, Taliban spokesperson, Zahibullah Mujahid tweeted, “Three perpetrators of an explosion in a mosque in the Trail area of Spin Ghar district of Nangarhar province were arrested by the security forces today. Those criminals will be dealt with according to Islamic law and will be punished for their evil deeds.”

The blast in the Nangarhar mosque is the third such incident. SabrangIndia had previously reported on two other instances where blasts took place during Friday prayers in October this year. 

On October 8, at least 100 people were killed when a bomb went off in a mosque in Kunduz. Worshippers here hailed from the persecuted Hazara community and belonged to the Shia sect. 

Then on October 15, another bomb blast ripped through a mosque in Kandahar, killing 32 and injuring 53 people. Here too, worshippers belonged to the Shia community. 

Also, in early November, 19 people were reported killed and 50 injured in an attack on a military hospital in Kabul.

Related:

Afghanistan: 32 killed, 53 injured in bomb blast at Shiite mosque in Kandahar
Afghanistan: Bomb attack kills at least 100 at Shia mosque in Kunduz

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Barabanki’s Ramsnehi Ghat mosque was demolished, despite a Allahabad High Court order that it be protected till May 31. While the district administration continues to maintain that the mosque was an “illegal construction”, it is on the records of the Sunni Central Waqf Board documents as ‘Tehsil Masjid’ for the last six decades, reports the BBC. Those in charge of the mosque told the media that it is even older, as the record books came into existence much later than the structure.

The Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board has called the administration’s action illegal, and is likely to challenge it in the High Court, stated the news report. Known locally as the Ghraib Nawaz Mosque, and on the record books as the Tehsil Mosque, it stood in the Tehsil complex in Ramsnehi Ghat before it was demolished on Monday. The Ramasnehi Ghat tehsil complex, said the ground report, is right in front of the SDM residence, and the mosque is “registered as the property of the Waqf Board”. A fact that according to its management has never been disputed. However, according to media reports the Barabanki District Magistrate Adarsh Singh said “a notice” was issued to those concerned on March15,  and the administration took the mosque “under its control.”

The official statement was read out in a video posted on twitter handle of DM Barabanki. A quick translation of the ‘officialese’ states that, “In the case of the illegal structure in the Tehsil Residential Complex, the concerned parties were given an opportunity to respond to the notice on March 15,” adding that instead of responding “the people left the premises and fled.”

दिनांक 17.05.2021 को रामसनेहीघाट तहसील परिसर के प्रकरण के संबंध में @BarabankiD व #barabankipolice अधीक्षक @IPSYAMUNA1 की बाइट~#UPPolice @Uppolice @adgzonelucknow @igrangeayodhya @bstvlive @News18UP pic.twitter.com/3pN6RvkjZu

— Barabanki Police (@Barabankipolice) May 18, 2021

According to a news flash on social media both the Samajwadi Party, and the Congress have condemned the mosque’s demolition and have demanded a judicial probe. However, according to the DM, “A petition filed in this regard by the Lucknow bench of the Hon’ble High Court Allahabad on April 2, proves that the construction is illegal. On this basis, the suit was presented in the court of SDM Ramsanehi Ghat and then complied with its order on May 17.” According to the BBC, the mosque management committee had filed a petition in the High Court against the notice given in March, however, it is still pending. As reported earlier, the Allahabad High Court, on April 24 2021,  had ordered that no action be taken till May 31 on “any religious construction on government properties”. 

Uttar Pradesh Sunni Central Waqf Board Chairman Zafar Ahmed Farooqi told mediapersons that this demolition is thus “directly in violation of the High Court order and the board will soon challenge it in the High Court.” Farooqui was quoted by the BBC as saying, “The mosque was right in front of the SDM’s residence and perhaps they did not like it…” adding “The local committee had gone to the High Court, yet without giving any notice the SDM passed the order and the mosque was demolished” and asked what was great hurry for such an action. 

The Sunni Central Waqf Board stated that it will move High Court demanding “restoration of the mosque, a high level judicial inquiry and action against the guilty officials”. The reports quoted one Adnan Arif, a local resident of Ramsnehi Ghat who said, “The new tehsil complex was built in 1992, and only then the SDM house was built in front of this mosque. The old tehsil was behind the mosque. The mosque has been registered as Waqf Board property since 1968,” it was reported that the mosque has had an “electrical connection since 1959,” and prayers have been offered here every Friday, and even every day by many for decades.

Maulana Abdul Mustafa, a mosque committee member, told The Wire that the administration “demolished our century-old mosque. Thousands of people used to offer namaz(prayer) here.” But there is a backstory to the demolition which explains the relative ease with which this act of erasure – planned several months ago – was eventually accomplished.

On March 20, a day after protests broke out against the administration’s plan to demolish a mosque in Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki, 180 people were booked under serious charges, including attempt to murder reported The Wire. All those named in the FIR are Muslim. The report shared details of FIR 89 – that names 22 people and charges another 150 “unnamed”. According to the news report around six additional FIRs were filed, and around 30 people are still in jail. The Barabanki police also arrested one Ishtiyaq alias Sonu in this case under the National Security Act (NSA) on April 11, reported The Wire. It quotes the police press release as saying, “On April 11, the administration took action against a dreaded criminal Mohammad Ishtiyaq, son of Mohammad Iliyas…who had attacked and attempted to murder police force on March 19.” 

Related:

EXCLUSIVE: Are Varanasi police trying to create communal tension?
Yet another demand for ASI survey in UP, plea to look for idols buried under mosque
Gyanvapi case: Pleas before Allahabad HC challenging ASI survey order
Babri demolition case judge appointed UP’s deputy Lok Ayukta

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While Covid-19 cases continue to rise across the country, and many states have banned all public celebrations and large gatherings as Holi, Shab E Barat, and Easter in the coming days, Shahjahanpur, a town in Uttar Pradesh is busy covering its mosques in plastic sheets. 

It may sound bizarre to some and progressive to some, as the local administration had said this is being done to ‘maintain peace’ ahead of Holi. According to news reports nearly 40 mosques in the town are being covered with plastic sheets “to prevent miscreants from throwing colour on the structures and disturb communal harmony,” Indian Express quoted a senior official. Holi revelry, in Shahjahanpur is said to begin with re enacting an 18th century tradition, where people hurl footwear at a ‘Laat Saab’ procession featuring a buffalo cart and a hapless man personifying a Britisher, reported IE.

However, all the mosques located along the route of the procession, will come under “a thick security blanket” and it is reported that the law and order will be under the charge of 225 magistrates. Around 40 mosques along the procession route are being covered with plastic sheets to ensure people do not throw colour or any objectionable things at the structures and disturb communal amity. According to Shahjahanpur City SP, Sanjay Kumar told the media that the “mosques will be covered before Holika Dahan (March 28). Some of them have already been covered. Some of the roads, which fall on the route of the procession, have been barricaded and will be closed a day in advance.”

However, some have commented that this reflected the fact that the situation on the ground was fragile.
 

This pretends to be a good work by the administration.
At the same time, it is clear that people on the ground have gone out of control… pic.twitter.com/FyxJN4Ekw5

— M R Shamshad (@MRShamshad) March 26, 2021

According to news reports the Uttar Pradesh government had also issued guidelines for celebrations in wake of the rising Covid-19 cases in the state. According to the guidelines issued by chief secretary RK Tiwari, certain permissions must be taken for any public function or procession on Holi. According to news reports, even after permission is granted for functions it is compulsory to “ensure that social distancing is maintained and other Covid-19 protocols are followed even after obtaining permission” according to the government directives which also advised people above 60 years, children below 10 years and those having comorbidities to remain indoors during the festival. It was reported that persons coming to UP from states that have a high virus load will have to undergo Covid-19 tests.

Incidentally, governments of states including Rajasthan, Karnataka, Haryana, besides a few other states have banned Holi celebrations as Covid-19 cases rise. Many states have asked that celebrations for Holi, Shab-e-Barat, Ugadi, Good Friday and other festivals take place indoors.

Related:

Mosque loudspeaker impedes yoga, puja, govt duties: UP Minister

Gyan Vapi case: New petition admitted, notice issued

Allahabad Univ VC can sleep better, Mosque reduces Azaan volume

Waseem Rizvi’s Challenge an Opportunity for Ulema To Proclaim the Inapplicability of 

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One of the oldest mosques in Jamua village of East Champaran district in Bihar was attacked by members of a victory procession for Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Pawan Kumar Jaiswal on November 10, 2020, said Dhaka police.

Speaking to Sabrang India, Station House Officer (SHO) Abhay Kumar said that two people have already been arrested for allegedly pelting stones at a local mosque after a verbal altercation with a Muslim youth. Along with the two persons arrested, police have charged as many as 31 people for rioting, injuring or defiling a place of worship with intent to insult the religion of any class and attempt to murder.

Three people inside the mosque suffered minor injuries to the head and back. A nearby motorcycle was also damaged during the incident. However, Kumar clarified that the mosque suffered no structural damages.

“We have deployed 15 police officers in the area. Everything is peaceful right now. Jamua villagers were quick to call us when the stone pelting began which helped prevent any serious offence,” said Kumar.

Talking about the area, he said that Dhaka is known as a sensitive area due to infrequent communal fights.

“Such incidents are common in Dhaka area because Muslims are generally a minority. Administration officials like us spend about 20 percent of our time solving such issues,” he said.

On Tuesday evening, around 100 BJP members began chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” near the religious building during Maghrib (evening) prayers. A Muslim youth told party members to maintain quiet which led to a heated verbal exchange. A video that has gone viral on social media shows that the exchange ultimately led to the stone pelting wherein attackers allegedly broke down the mosque’s gate.

According to news reports, mosque care-taker Mazhar Alam claimed the procession members also abused the Muslim community.

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Bihar elections: Tejaswi Yadav alleges counting fraud
What does the Bihar election result mean?
Bihar Elections: Exit polls predict neck-and-neck fight
Communal hate sticker pasted outside Islamic Centre, Delhi Police register FIR

The post Bihar: BJP victory procession allegedly attacks local mosque appeared first on SabrangIndia.

The Mumbai Police have registered a case against five persons, including trustees of an Andheri-based mosque, for allegedly violating the Covid-19 lockdown norms after a group of people assembled in the premises on Thursday, The New Indian Express reported.

It was reported that police team from the DN Nagar Police Station reached the Eidgah Mosque after they received a call that some people had assembled there in the morning. On reaching there, the police told TNIE, they found that social distancing norms were not being followed in the premises and a further probe revealed that the people had gathered there for a discussion and not for prayers. A person present at the mosque mentioned to TNIE that the group had gathered to discuss the distribution of essential commodities to the poor and that they had followed precautions in the premises of the mosque.

Mumbai Mirror reported that a total of 70 people had gathered at the mosque and the police team split them into smaller groups upon reaching there.

Parmeshwar Ganame, Senior Inspector of the DN Nagar police station told TNIE, “As of now, we have mentioned the names of five people, including the trustees, in the FIR. A case has been registered under section 188 (disobeying an order issued by public servant) and other relevant provisions of the IPC.”

Bhiwandi mosque’s humanitarian gesture

The Makkah Masjid mosque in Bhiwandi’s Shanti Nagar area, in a humanitarian gesture, converted its premises into a temporary Covid-19 facility where oxygen is provided free of cost to patients, reported Business Insider.

The facility has been set-up by the local chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Movement for Peace and Justice and Justice at the Shanti Nagar Trust, which runs the mosque. The administrators have put up five beds equipped with oxygen cylinders and also delivers oxygen cylinders to patients’ homes if required. An office bearer of the JIH said that the makeshift facility is open to all communities, reported the publication.

In a press release, Ausaf Ahmed Falahi, President JIH Bhiwandi said, “Bhiwandi-Nizampur has been hit the hardest by Coronavirus. It’s a very congested city, resulting in the rapid spread of the disease. As it is, the city has a poor health infrastructure, and now even several general practitioners have shut their clinics due to fear of infection. A vast majority of people in the city lack awareness about the disease and are unable to afford treatment. Hence, we decided to start this facility to do our bit in these trying circumstances.”

Qaiser Mirza of the Shanti Nagar Trust said, “Khidmat-e-khalq (Service to humanity) is one of the basic tenets of Islam.A mosque is not merely a place of worship. Rather, its’s supposed to be a community centre working for the welfare of the people living in its vicinity. Makkah Masjid was shut to the worshippers and was lying idle due to the pandemic and the lockdown. Hence, we decided to use some of the premises of the mosque to help those who can’t avail treatment facilities elsewhere.”

Related:

Rural stay-safe campaign curbs spread of coronavirus cases, fosters communal harmony
Eid Mubarak: Prayers and celebrations go online in wake of the Covid-19 pandemic

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This is not an exhaustive list, these are just the most prominent and relatable examples of Muslims mosques that are being used as Hindu temples.

These structures which were originally mosques are being used as temples despite the fact that some of these are state-protected monuments by their respective states and their “switch” to a temple happened in the last 70 years or less – well after it was documented as a mosque and is not merely based on hearsay.

So the next time anyone makes the rather obnoxious statement about the Taj Mahal being built on the site of a Hindu temple show them this; maybe then they will be more appreciative of India’s pluralistic ethos.

Jama Masjid, Farrukhnagar, Haryana

The town of Farrukhnagar in Gurugram District was founded by Mughal Governor Faujdar Khan in 1732 AD. It was named after the Mughal Emperor, Farrukhsiyar. Soon after the town’s founding, Faujdar Khan was proclaimed the Nawab of Farrukhnagar and imposing structures started to spring within the town’s borders. One of these structures was the Jama Masjid. This was the principal Friday mosque of the city where all the Muslim inhabitants would gather and pray their Friday prayers. Historian Rana Safvi writes that the mosque was converted into a temple and gurudwara following the arrival of refugees from Pakistan. One of the mosque’s minarets still stands tall today though in a decrepit condition.

Coordinates: 28°26’52.6″N 76°49’16.0″E

PC: Virtual Museum Of Images And Sounds

Khilij Jumma Masjid, Daulatabad (Aurangabad), Maharashtra

Qutbuddin Mubarak Khilji, the son of Alaudin Khilji, ordered the construction of a massive mosque in the early 14th century in the majestic fort of Daulatabad as his empire expanded southward. It was so large in size that it was once one of the biggest mosques within the realms of the vast empire of the Khilji Dynasty. The mosque continued to be in use for centuries after its construction. There is no record of exactly when, but an idol was installed in the mihrab (prayer niche) of the mosque. Thereafter locals began worshipping there and the grand mosque started to be called Bharat Mata Mandir.      

Coordinates: 19°56’36.7″N 75°13’03.3″E

PC: Anand Saurkar/ Wikimedia Commons

Dana Shir Masjid, Hisar, Haryana

Hisar once boasted of a large Muslim population. The city is home to several Islamic monuments with some of the earliest ones dating back to the rule of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351 to 1388 AD).  As is customary to the tombs of saints, mosques are erected next to their tombs. The Dana Shir Mosque is no different as it was built next to the tomb of Dana Shir Bahlul Shah. Despite being used as a temple from right after Partition the structure still looks like a mosque with its three large domes dominating the horizon.

PC: Virtual Museum Of Images And Sounds

Jama Masjid, Sonipat, Haryana

The most prominent tourist sites in Sonipat are its Mughal and pre-Mughal era Islamic monuments that include the tomb of Khwāja Khizr, ruins of an old fort and the Jama Masjid that is now being used as a Durga Mandir. Notwithstanding the fact that it is currently being used as a temple, locals still refer to it as Badi Masjid (big mosque). The exterior of the structure has hardly been altered and it continues to be flanked by two towering minarets. The interior of the mosque, however, has undergone several modifications but the intricate design on the main central dome that the mosque was renowned for remains. The mosque is believed to have been constructed in the early part of the 19th century.

Coordinates: 28°59’42.4″N 77°01’15.6″E

PC: Virtual Museum Of Images And Sounds

Sources:

Encyclopedia of Tourism Resources in India, Volume 1 By Manohar Sajnani

The Rough Guide to India (Travel Guide eBook)

https://www.outlookindia.com/outlooktraveller/explore/story/47583/spectacular-tombs-of-haryana

https://www.hindustantimes.com/delhi/discover-delhi-the-world-inside-mubarak-shah-sayyid-s-elusive-tomb/story-9OXrQRqJYTuqhcsJZ43ooJ.html

https://ranasafvi.com/jama-masjid-turned-mandir-gurudwara-of-farrukhnagar/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Kotla-Mubarakpur-now-threatens-to-eat-up-its-founders-final-resting-place/articleshow/48750392.cms

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/gurgaon/Unlike-Delhi-no-walks-through-Gurgaons-heritage/articleshow/53021508.cms

https://www.gounesco.com/badi-masjid-sonipat/

https://hisar.gov.in/culture-heritage/

http://www.ioc.u-tokyo.ac.jp/~islamarc/WebPage1/htm_eng/daulatab-eng.htm#JAMA%20MASJID

(The author is a Middle East based journalist)

The post Mosques turned into Temples, the other side of history appeared first on SabrangIndia.

Over the last few decades P A Inamdar has artfully juggled multiple roles as an educationist, legal luminary, social worker, builder and much more. As President of the Maharashtra Cosmopolitan Education Society that runs a host of educational institutions at Pune’s sprawling Azam Campus, Inamdar has created educational infrastructure that at present empowers 27,000 students including 14,000 who hail from economically backward families living in low-income neighbourhoods.

Now, Inamdar has offered 9,000 sq ft. of space on the first floor of a mosque located in the Azam Campus as a quarantine facility. In an exclusive interview to SabrangIndia, he explained his motivations and hopes:

What prompted you to offer the space in the mosque as a Covid-19 quarantine facility?

Ultimately all religions and all religious places are meant for human beings. No religion teaches discrimination, especially when a human life is in danger. Now is the time to put into practice what religion teaches us. Now is the time to act. If we are not able to apply religious principles now and help our fellow human beings, then when will we?

What are the facilities you are offering?

We are offering a hall that measures 9,000 sq ft. It is located on the first floor of the mosque. I have already spoken to the Municipal Commissioner. They will arrange for the doctors and the police. They had originally asked for about 40 beds, but we are offering them 100 beds. All arrangements are being made in compliance with social distancing measures. If they can arrange for lunch and dinner that is fine. Otherwise, we can also offer them food.

Is it true that you are also trying to arrange for 10 more similar facilities in mosques across the city?

I have already spoken to them (mosque authorities). It is important that we offer as much help as possible. What is the meaning of religion if we cannot help our fellow human beings?

We have seen various instances of Muslims being targeted and accused of spreading the Covid-19 pandemic. Do you think your efforts will help send out a positive message on behalf of the community?

See, politicians often play with people’s emotions as it is easier to do that instead of actually solving their problems. That is how they get votes. But that should not stop us from setting a good example in whatever way we can. Our organisation has already helped distribute food and rations worth Rs 30 lakhs to people living in Pune’s slums and low-income neighbourhoods. We did this with full cooperation of the police. Now with this space we have another opportunity to offer our service to humanity, so we are doing it. This is not the time to make speeches or hold meetings. This is the time to act.

Do you think our education system has failed to root out communalism or is that a much deeper problem?

The educational gap between the haves and have-nots is thousands of years old. The higher classes and castes have always benefitted more. But luckily, we are now able to bridge the gap gradually with technology. When more people will be on the same platform, we can expect real development. There are 27,000 students studying on my campus and 14,000 of them some from the slums. But we teach them all about technology and they are now making computers and cell phones.

Additionally, it is also the responsibility of religious leaders to speak out in wake of hate crimes. We always hear the activists and intellectuals speak, but why are the religious leaders silent? No religion supports lynching. Therefore, everyone, whether a Maulana or a Shankaracharya, should come out and condemn it.

What is your message to your fellow Indians in this holy month of Ramzan?

It is very important that when it comes to religion, we don’t limit ourselves to just learning about philosophy, but instead put that philosophy into practice and help our fellow human beings. We can’t leave religion in temples and mosques. We must make it a part of our daily conduct and serve humanity, because that is what all religions teach us.

Related:

Palghar lynching case: Maha Home Minister releases list of accused, says none are Muslim
It took influential Arab anger to make India notice hate speech

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