Skip to main content

Tuesday, 24 December 2024 | 08:55 am

|   Subscribe   |   donation   Support Us    |   donation

Log in
Register


"देश के दुश्मन": Waqf Board claims 53 ASI monuments in Congress-ruled Karnataka, including Gol Gumbaz & Ibrahim Rauza; 43 sites in Vijayapura face encroachments, unauthorized repairs and lost tourism, defying Union Culture Ministry's directives since 2007

Once a property belongs to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it cannot be de-notified and handed over to another party.
 |  Satyaagrah  |  Politics
Waqf Board Claims 53 Historical Monuments in Karnataka; 43 Already Encroached
Waqf Board Claims 53 Historical Monuments in Karnataka; 43 Already Encroached

In Karnataka, currently under Congress governance, the Waqf Board has asserted ownership over 53 historical monuments. This list includes notable sites such as the Gol Gumbaz, Ibrahim Rauza, Bara Kaman, and forts in Bidar and Kalaburagi. Of these, 43 monuments are located in Vijayapura, formerly the capital of the Adil Shahi dynasty, six in Hampi, and four within the Bengaluru Circle.

In 2005, during Mohammad Mohsin's tenure as Principal Secretary of the Health and Family Welfare Department (Medical Education), and concurrently as Chairman and Deputy Commissioner of the Waqf Board in Vijayapura, the board declared these 43 centrally protected monuments as Waqf properties. Mohsin stated that this declaration followed a government gazette notification issued by the Revenue Department, based on 'authentic documentary evidence'.

However, reports indicate that many of these sites have faced encroachment and unauthorized modifications. According to information obtained through an RTI request by Deccan Herald, the Waqf Board declared these 43 centrally protected monuments in Vijayapura as Waqf properties by utilizing the Record of Rights (ROR) or PR cards, documents that assert ownership. The RTI response from the Union government noted that, while the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) manages the monuments, the Waqf Board assumed encumbrance rights without ASI consultation. Sahil Online

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has expressed concerns over this dual authority, citing conflicts and administrative challenges in managing and preserving these historical sites. The ASI has reported that its staff has been restricted from conducting conservation work in monuments classified as Waqf properties. Unauthorized alterations and additions, such as shops at Atala Masjid and fittings at Mecca Masjid, have compromised the authenticity and integrity of these protected structures. Optimize IAS

The Waqf Board has reportedly utilized the Record of Rights and government-issued certificates to assert ownership over certain properties. However, once a property is under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), it cannot be de-notified or transferred to another entity. This is strictly prohibited by the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act and Rules of 1958.

An RTI response accessed by Deccan Chronicle stated, "While ASI is the holder of the land/monument, the encumbrance is the Waqf authority. This has been done without consulting ASI." In 2012, a joint survey of these monuments was conducted, during which the Waqf Board did not provide any evidence to substantiate its claims. An ASI official indicated that 43 of these monuments have already been encroached upon by the Vijayapura Waqf Board.

The AMASR Act of 1958 is a legislative framework aimed at preserving and protecting ancient and historical monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance. It regulates archaeological excavations and safeguards sculptures, carvings, and other similar objects, ensuring the preservation of India's rich cultural heritage. The Act designates a 100-meter radius around each monument as a prohibited area, where no construction or alteration is allowed without permission. An additional 200-meter area is classified as regulated, where any construction or modifications require prior approval. The National Monuments Authority (NMA), established under the Act, is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing activities within these zones and granting necessary permissions. Compass

The ASI has expressed concerns over the overlapping authority with Waqf Boards, stating that it hampers conservation efforts. The ASI has reported challenges in conducting conservation work on these monuments due to restrictions imposed by the Waqf Board. Specific issues include unauthorized modifications, such as the installation of unauthorized fixtures in Mecca Masjid, Ahmednagar, and the construction of shops within the enclosure of the Atala Masjid, Jaunpur. In Fatehpur Sikri, the Waqf Board has reportedly appointed its own tour guides, replacing those certified by ASI. Compass

The ASI has also alleged that Waqf representatives engage in commercial activities inside and outside such protected monuments, leading to damage and loss of heritage. The ASI officials pointed out that the protection of monuments and sites commenced with the coming into force of The Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904. Various monuments were declared protected under the Act of 1904. After India’s independence, the concept of national importance came into effect, and all monuments declared protected under the Act of 1904 were given the status of ‘Monument of National Importance’ by the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (Declaration of National Importance) Act, 1951. Thereafter, a fresh act came into effect as the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, or the AMASR Act. Tribune India

 

The Waqf Act, 1995, provides power to the board to declare any property or building as a Waqf. In exercise of such power, in several cases, the Waqf boards have issued notifications declaring protected monuments as ‘Waqf Property,’ which results in conflict in the exercise of powers delegated under the AMASR Act, 1958. Tribune India

This situation has led to conflicts and administrative challenges in managing and preserving these historical sites. The ASI has faced criticism for its perceived inaction regarding the Waqf Board's alleged undermining of the integrity of protected monuments. Critics have urged ASI to provide explanations for not using its legislative powers more effectively to address these issues. Compass 

“The 43 monuments in Vijayapura are being defaced and are being repaired with plaster and cement. Fans, air conditioners, fluorescent lights and toilets are being added to the monuments. Shopkeepers have taken over certain properties,” an ASI official emphasized. These changes have significantly altered the character and historical integrity of these treasured sites, leaving experts and preservationists deeply concerned.

“This is adversely impacting the flow of tourists to these monuments,” the official told Deccan Chronicle. The once vibrant influx of visitors, drawn by the ancient architectural marvels, has visibly declined. Tourism, a critical source of income and cultural pride for the region, is being negatively affected as the monuments no longer reflect their original grandeur.

Encroachments on these centrally protected monuments have persisted since 2007, despite clear and repeated directives from the Union Ministry of Culture. Letters and notices have been sent to high-ranking officials, including the Karnataka Chief Secretary, the Vijayapura Deputy Commissioner, and the Minorities Welfare Department. Yet, despite these warnings, the encroachments continue unabated, contributing to the ongoing degradation of these historic structures.

The clash between heritage preservation and unauthorized developments underscores the challenge of protecting India’s cultural legacy. The inability to enforce preservation laws effectively remains a pressing issue, with historical monuments caught in the middle of administrative inefficiencies and conflicting claims.

Support Us


Satyagraha was born from the heart of our land, with an undying aim to unveil the true essence of Bharat. It seeks to illuminate the hidden tales of our valiant freedom fighters and the rich chronicles that haven't yet sung their complete melody in the mainstream.

While platforms like NDTV and 'The Wire' effortlessly garner funds under the banner of safeguarding democracy, we at Satyagraha walk a different path. Our strength and resonance come from you. In this journey to weave a stronger Bharat, every little contribution amplifies our voice. Let's come together, contribute as you can, and champion the true spirit of our nation.

Satyaagrah Razorpay PayPal
 ICICI Bank of SatyaagrahRazorpay Bank of SatyaagrahPayPal Bank of Satyaagrah - For International Payments

If all above doesn't work, then try the LINK below:

Pay Satyaagrah

Please share the article on other platforms

To Top

DISCLAIMER: The author is solely responsible for the views expressed in this article. The author carries the responsibility for citing and/or licensing of images utilized within the text. The website also frequently uses non-commercial images for representational purposes only in line with the article. We are not responsible for the authenticity of such images. If some images have a copyright issue, we request the person/entity to contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and we will take the necessary actions to resolve the issue.


Related Articles

Related Articles




JOIN SATYAAGRAH SOCIAL MEDIA