Delhi’s Zafar Mahal mausoleum vandalised by miscreants

Zafar Mahal, a historical monument in Delhi’s Mehrauli village, has been vandalized by unknown miscreants in India, damaging part of the jaali (lattice screen) in front of the tombs of three Mughal emperors and Bahadur Shah Zafar’s empty tomb.

The incident was reported by Sunit Arora, a journalist, who visited the site. He was informed by the guard that the vandalism took place eight days ago, and no action has been taken by the authorities so far.

Reporting vandalism at Zafar Mahal in Delhi's Mehrauli village. The guard informed me that 8 days ago, vandals destroyed part of the jaali (circled area in older pic) in front of the tombs of three Mughal emperors and Bahadur Shah II's empty tomb.@aarvee1970 @SamDalrymple123 pic.twitter.com/e42dY42COb

— Sunit Arora (@sunitarora) December 10, 2023

Zafar Mahal is an ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) protected monument and is one of the last remnants of the architectural legacy of the Mughals in India. The palace is associated with the festival of Sair-e-Gul Faroshan, initiated by Bahadur Shah Zafar, to honour the Sufi saint Khwaja Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, whose dargah is also located nearby.

However, Zafar Mahal is in a state of neglect, with minimal maintenance and frequent vandalism. The jaali, which is now spoilt, was a fine example of the Pachin Kari (inlay work) technique.

Indian tombs of Mughal emperors, including Akbar Shah II, Shah Alam II, and Mirza Fakhruddin, also stand in a deteriorated condition inside the Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Art historian William Dalrymple criticised the ASI for its neglect.

How the Archaeological Survey of India neglects the monuments in its care…

Zafar Mahal 2000 vs Zafar Mahal 2020

The last great Mughal Palace is allowed to rot and be encroached upon and no one does anything… pic.twitter.com/T0ETj4dhuX

— William Dalrymple (@DalrympleWill) February 15, 2021

Twitter user Tamjeed Ahmed said that, “ASI earlier said they will restore Zafar Mahal in October but they never did!”

ASI earlier said they will restore Zafar Mahal in October but they never did! This is so so sad! Legal action should be taken against ASI for this negligence. They have let the palace to ruin for years! This needs to stop. 😔😔

— Tamjeed Ahmed ❁ (@Tamjeed_Ahmed_) December 10, 2023

However, poet Rafiq Kathwari, was reminded of Babri Mosque, as he said, “If they can do Babri, the worst is yet to be.”

If they can do #Babri, the worst is yet to be.

— Rafiq Kathwari (@brownpundit) December 10, 2023

Another user pointed out that “unfortunately, far too many Indian visitors are extremely disrespectful of our ancient monuments”.

Unfortunately, far too many Indian visitors are extremely disrespectful of our ancient monuments. Every time I visit any of them, I see people trying to scribble something on wall, etc, and we now also have right-wing thugs acting out.

— Rustam Roy (@_RustamRoy) December 10, 2023

Meanwhile, a user posted a pictorial comparison of the tomb of the past and the present.

Zafar Mahal built by Akbar Shah II then and now
Mehrauli pic.twitter.com/rzjDFFkU1j

— Rana Safvi رعنا राना (@iamrana) November 8, 2017