Jama Masjid Shamsi, Budaun: Historical and Legal Context

Current Issue

A legal dispute has emerged in Budaun, Uttar Pradesh, where petitioners are seeking permission for Hindus to pray at the 800-year-old Jama Masjid Shamsi. They claim the mosque was built after demolishing the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. The opposing side cites the Places of Worship Act, 1991, to refute this assertion.

Historical Significance

• Construction: Built in 1223 AD during Sultan Shams-ud-Din Iltutmish’s reign, the mosque’s construction coincided with the governorship of his son, Rukn-ud-Din Firoz. It underwent restoration in the 16th century after a fire, with domes added during Akbar’s rule.
• Heritage Status: Recognized as one of North India’s oldest and largest congregational mosques, it is designated as a Monument of National Importance.

Architectural Features

• Showcasing Persian and Afghan influences, the mosque is constructed from red sandstone and white marble.

Contested Claims

• Historical Records: Some accounts, including those by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) during British rule, suggest the mosque was built using materials from demolished Hindu temples. These reports also highlight the presence of Hindu-style pillars near the mosque’s mihrab.
• Cultural Traditions: Alexander Cunningham, founder of the ASI, documented local beliefs about a temple named Harmandar existing on the site before the mosque’s construction.
• Gazetteer Notes: The 1907 district gazetteer attributes the Neelkanth Mahadev Temple to the 12th-century Chauhan king Ajaypal.