TCN News
The demolition of Agra’s ancient Mubarak Manzil, a 17th-century Mughal heritage site, has sparked criticism and claims of complicity between officials and a builder. William Dalrymple, a Scottish historian and Indologist, has denounced the destruction of Mubarak Manzil, a 17th-century Mughal cultural monument in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. He described it as an “appalling negligence of India’s heritage” and the primary cause of the nation’s inability to draw foreign tourists in spite of its rich cultural history.
Over 100 tractors of rubble were removed from the site. The demolition took place only three months after the state archaeological department nominated the monument for protection. As the home of important Mughal leaders, Mubarak Manzil, sometimes called Aurangzeb’s Haveli, had great historical significance. During British control, it was altered, becoming a salt office, a customs house, and by 1902, Tara Niwas.
In a notice recommending Mubarak Manzil’s protection, the state archaeological department asked for objections within a month. But soon after their arrival, destruction began, turning the historic building into rubble. Despite protests and the existence of a nearby police outpost, locals allege that a constructor, working with police and administrative officials, carried out the destruction.
Locals were irate, saying that even after making several complaints, nothing was done and the demolition went on, destroying 70% of the building. Locals, historians, and political officials have all voiced their strong opposition to the demolition of Mubarak Manzil. The uproar has been joined by politicians. The act was criticized by AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi and former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav. “The Center wants to make tourism a $1 trillion ecosystem with 100 million foreign visitors by 2047, but neglecting heritage sites undermines this goal,” stated Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India.
Mubarak Manzil is not a single incident. Agra has also seen the destruction of other locations, including Shahi Hammam, Zohra Bagh, and buildings from the Lodhi era. India’s reputation as a travel destination is further damaged by reports of water leaks at the Taj Mahal and damage to 400-year-old paintings at Akbar’s Tomb. Aravind Mallappa Bangari, the district magistrate of Agra, said the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the revenue department are working on an investigation. No more alterations are permitted on the site, the SDM has been invited to visit and submit a report.