By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The beautification drive at Hazratganj is the buzzword in Lucknow. However, the district administration is also busy tediously in restoration of a two-century-old ‘Shahi Masjid’ in Hazratganj.
Situated just behind the Jhalakari Bai Women’s Hospital, the mosque was lost in oblivion with thick coats of white wash robbing its sheen.
The intricate carving and delicate artifacts were lost beyond visibility. Even the entry passage has been eaten up by commercial establishments leaving just a narrow lane. The mosque is reported to have been constructed during the era of first King of Awadh Ghaziuddin Haider during 1819-20. The period of its construction was same when Ghaziuddin Haider constructed the famous Shahnajaf Imambara.
One of the main attractions of the mosque is its use by both the sects– Shias and Sunnis to offer prayers. Local shopkeepers, office goers including secretariat staff and residents of nearby area have been using it amicably without any hindrance.
The district administration, which took the initiative for restoration of the historical mosque, roped in the Husainabad and Allied Trust (HAT) which is headed by the Lucknow’s District Magistrate (DM). The secretary of the trust and ADM City, OP Pathak overseeing the project remarked: “We were not aware about this beautiful building till we peeled of the thick coat of lime wash. A series of delicate carving similar in other Awadhi monuments were visible, it was then decided to restore the mosque in its original shape.”
The restoration work is expected to take two years as the delicate piece of art involves great patience and skilled workers. “Even the initial budget of Rs one lakh has now been enhanced. We have already spent Rs 2.20 lakhs and the total expenditure is expected to be near 6-7 lakhs,” said OP Pathak.
Pathak said that Masjid has two halls and on top of those there are six domes. He added that restoration of three domes has been done and work is still on. “When completed, it would spread its glory on getting back its older look,” he added.