By TCN Special Correspondent,
Lucknow: The fate of the nearly two-century-old ‘Qadam-e-Rasool’ building is hanging between the Husainabad and Allied Trust (HAT) and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The building has almost collapsed with just ruins remaining at the place. It may be noted that this building is situated in the premises of the Shahnajaf Imambara which is already a protected monument but this building comes under the properties of HAT.
When asked about the restoration of the building, Secretary of HAT and Additional District Magistrate (City), OP Pathak said that after several requests for the restoration of this building he had surveyed it but as the large part of it has collapsed long time back its restoration is impossible. “It was also observed that the remaining part is dangerous and could collapse anytime so the people should be restricted from going there but as it’s related to religious beliefs we can’t restrict them. All we can do is just advise them,” he added.
Qadam Rasool building
Interestingly, long time back it was also a protected monument along with the Shahnajaf Imambara but due to unknown reason it was de-protected.
An ASI official informed that ‘Qadam-e-Rasool’ building was also a protected monument nearly 25-30 years back but due to some reasons it was de-protected. “As it’s not a protected monument it is not our responsibility to restore or maintain this building,” he added.
“However, we are interested in restoring the building if HAT approach us and bear the expenses of the restoration,” he said. He added that if they are interested in restoration of the building then they would have to deposit the funds required in the National Culture Fund (NCF).
As per the locals, this building made up of Lakhauri bricks was constructed by Nawab Ghaziuddin Haider in the year 1814. Grapevine has it that it was constructed after the footprints of the Prophet Mohammad were found at the spot that’s why it was named as ‘Qadam-e-Rasool’ which means Footprints of Prophet Mohammad. It’s another historic attachment is that during the struggle of freedom movement in 1857 this building was also targeted and bombarded.