Two Mehrauli monuments facing demolition many centuries old and still in use, ASI tells SC

Two monuments in Sanjay Van, Mehrauli, that were facing the prospect of demolition for allegedly encroaching on a green patch are historical structures built in the 13th-14th century, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has informed the Supreme Court, adding that several devotees offer prayers at the two every day.

- Abraham Thomas

ASI on December 17 submitted its report in the matter, filed by Zameer Ahmed Jumlana, who sought that the two structures be protected, arguing that the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) was tearing them down without "assessing their historicity".

The Supreme Court on July 29 requested ASI and the National Monuments Authority (NMA) to visit the site and file a report on the structures.

The joint team identified the two structures to be the tomb of Shihabuddin (Ashiq Allah dargah) and Chillagah of Baba Sheikh Fariduddin Shakar Ganj. An inscription on the former structure reveals it was built in 1317.

Shaikh Shihabuddin was considered a saint and served as one of the khadims (attendant) of 12th century Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiyar Kaki. His tomb is situated to the west of the Ranjit Gate of the Qila Rai Pithora, a centrally protected monument, said the report.

The Chillagah of Baba Sheikh Fariduddin Shakar Ganj was built in the early 13th century, according to the definitive "List of Muhammadan and Hindu Monuments, Volume III- Mahrauli Zila" published in 1922 by Maulvi Zafar Hasan, who was then assistant superintendent of ASI.

Sheikh Fariduddin was Qutubuddin's chief disciple and the Chillagah served as the Muslim saints' meditation grounds, found the agency.

The report said, "There are multiple layers of history belonging to the period of 12-13th century but many of the layers are missing, creating a great unconformity of the history and origin of the place."