Declaring Delhi’s Jama Masjid protected monument will have substantial impact, ASI tells HC

Declaring Delhi’s Jama Masjid protected monument will have substantial impact, ASI tells HC

Sub: History

Sec: Art and Culture

Context:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) informed the Delhi High Court that declaring Jama Masjid a “protected monument” would have significant implications, though no actions have been taken toward this designation.
• If the monument were protected, specific regulations and restrictions would apply in its vicinity.
• ASI noted that, while Jama Masjid is under the Delhi Waqf Board’s protection, it still conducts conservation and preservation work there.
• Court’s Observations:
  • A Bench comprising Justice Prathiba M. Singh and Justice Amit Sharma expressed hesitation to designate the Jama Masjid as a protected monument, in line with ASI’s stance.
• Background on the Petition:
  • The petitions, filed in 2014, urge authorities to declare the Jama Masjid a protected monument and address encroachments around it.
  • They question why Jama Masjid remains outside ASI’s management despite its historic significance.
• Government Counsel’s Input:
  • The Centre’s representative clarified that Jama Masjid functions as a “live monument,” where regular prayers are held, imposing unique restrictions.
  • Since it is not a centrally protected monument, Jama Masjid does not currently fall under ASI’s administrative jurisdiction.

What are Centrally Protected Monuments?

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
• The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the aegis of the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.

Jama Masjid:

• The Jama Masjid (also called Masjid-i Jahān-Numā) was built between 1650-1656 during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who also built the Taj Mahal.
• The mosque’s construction was supervised by Saadullah Khan, Shah Jahan’s prime minister.

Architecture and Design:

• Built using red sandstone and white marble
• Three large gates, four towers, and two 40m-high minarets
• The courtyard can accommodate approximately 25,000 worshippers
• The mosque is elevated on a platform accessed by a flight of 39 steps
• Features three large domes with alternating black and white stripes
• The main prayer hall contains intricate calligraphy and decorative elements

Historical Significance:

• Served as the principal mosque of the Mughal emperors until 1857
• Represents the pinnacle of Mughal architectural achievement
• Located in Old Delhi. At the time of its construction, it was the largest mosque in the Indian subcontinent.

Location and Setting:

• Situated in the heart of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad)
• Overlooks the Red Fort and faces west towards Mecca
• Central location in what was once the capital of Mughal India

What is ASI?

• It was founded in 1861 by a British Army engineer Alexander Cunnigham who is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’.
• It engages in archaeological research and conservation, and protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the country.
• ASI regulates all archaeological activities conducted in the country through the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958.
• It also regulates the Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, of 1972.
• ASI has more than 3,693   protected monuments and archaeological sites of National Importance that it protects and preserves.