Waqf Council:–The news of the Waqf Board claiming 156 historical monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is in the news recently. These include major monuments like Humayun’s Tomb and Qutub Minar. Waqf Board says, know the full news?
Waqf Council:-The Delhi Waqf Board has recently staked its claim on 156 historical monuments of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), including major monuments like the World Heritage Humayun’s Tomb and the Qutub Minar. This dispute has once again brought the Indian heritage and property dispute into discussion. According to the documents of the Waqf Board, the ASI has illegally occupied these properties, which the Waqf Board is claiming as its own property.
Waqf Board’s claim:
The Delhi Waqf Board has claimed that many of the 156 properties protected by the ASI are Waqf properties, and the ASI has illegally occupied them. These properties not only include Humayun’s Tomb, but the Waqf Board has also claimed rights over the Qutub Minar complex, which also includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar. According to the Waqf Board, the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque present in the Qutub Minar complex was built by demolishing 27 Hindu and Jain temples, and now this mosque is their property. The entire complex of the mosque has been taken over by the Waqf Board.
Humayun’s Tomb:
The Waqf Board has also claimed Humayun’s Tomb, which is a World Heritage Site and is currently under the protection of the ASI. Humayun’s Tomb is not only historically important, but it is also a marvel of architecture. The tomb houses the tombs of Mughal emperor Humayun and his descendants such as Dara Shikoh. The Waqf Board says that the tomb is their property, while the ASI is protecting and taking care of the site.
Qutub Minar Complex:
The Waqf Board has also claimed the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the Iron Pillar located in the Qutub Minar complex. The Waqf Board says that the mosque was built by the Islamic ruler Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, and hence it is Waqf property. Also, the Iron Pillar, which is believed to be built by Chandragupta II, has become a part of this claim as it falls under the mosque complex.
Historical context of the Waqf Board’s claim:
According to the Delhi Waqf Board, these properties were waqfed by Islamic rulers, including Qutub-ud-din Aibak and Lodhi. However, ASI and many historians say that the tradition of waqfing property in India started in the 14th century during the time of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, while the Waqf Board is claiming the time of rulers before that. The Waqf Board has not given any concrete evidence of this claim to ASI till date, which has raised doubts on their claim.
Legal right of Waqf:
The Waqf Board also claims that “Once a Waqf, Always a Waqf” i.e. once a Waqf property is declared, it remains a Waqf property forever. On the basis of this claim, the Waqf Board has confirmed its right over these monuments. However, these claims of Waqf have not been confirmed legally and historically till now. ASI says that the Waqf Board has only made claims but has never presented any concrete evidence.
Stand of the government and ASI:
Discussions are going on at the government level regarding this dispute. ASI has rejected these claims of the Waqf Board and said that the protection of these historical sites is under them. ASI says that these monuments are an integral part of Indian heritage and they are protected legally.