The petition, filed by a local group, seeks permission to conduct a survey of the dargah, an important Muslim shrine, which also overlaps with contentious claims over the history of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. The petitioners argue that the mosque, which was originally built by the Delhi Sultanate in the 12th century, could have been constructed atop a pre-Islamic structure, perhaps even a Hindu temple. This claim has revived calls for the mosque’s restoration to its purported original form, sparking division within the community.
Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra is notable for its unique architectural style, blending Indo-Islamic influences with local architectural traditions. The mosque's origins date back to the era of Sultan Alauddin Khilji, when it was established as part of the expansion of the Delhi Sultanate’s influence in the region. Built with limestone and featuring intricately detailed carvings, the structure stands as a testament to medieval architectural achievement. However, its significance has been questioned by some who argue that its current form represents an amalgamation of multiple cultural influences, blending Islamic and non-Islamic elements.
The demand for the restoration of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra to its “original” pre-Islamic heritage, however, is rooted in a growing sentiment that has emerged from certain quarters of the political and social landscape. Proponents of the restoration argue that the mosque’s current form, shaped by centuries of Islamic rule, masks a deeper cultural history that they believe should be acknowledged and preserved. They contend that this structure could have been built atop an ancient Hindu temple or other religious monument, making its pre-Islamic heritage a crucial element of its historical identity.
The matter has stirred up significant controversy, not only in Ajmer but across India, where debates over the preservation of religious monuments and their respective histories have intensified in recent years. Critics of the restoration demand argue that such efforts could fuel communal tensions by distorting historical facts. They stress that Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra should be preserved in its current form, as a symbol of the shared history and the architectural accomplishments of the Sultanate period. The mosque’s present condition, many argue, reflects the integration of multiple cultural and religious traditions that characterize India’s complex history.
The Archaeological Survey of India, which manages the conservation of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, has long maintained that the mosque is a valuable historical monument in its own right, regardless of the origin stories that swirl around its construction. ASI experts contend that while the mosque may indeed be built on earlier structures, there is insufficient evidence to conclusively prove the existence of a pre-Islamic religious structure beneath it. Furthermore, the ASI has emphasized the importance of preserving the mosque as a symbol of India’s rich architectural heritage, which is not merely the product of any one religious or cultural group but the result of centuries of interaction and integration.
For centuries, Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra has served as a place of prayer and worship, deeply embedded in the spiritual life of Ajmer. The mosque is widely regarded for its distinctive beauty, with its intricate arches and soaring columns that evoke the grandeur of the medieval Islamic architectural tradition. It is also a significant site for tourists and pilgrims who visit Ajmer to pay homage to the revered Sufi saint, Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, whose dargah lies just a short distance away.
The debate over the restoration of the mosque has also gained political traction, with leaders from various parties weighing in on the issue. Some have expressed support for the restoration of the mosque to its “original” form, citing the importance of acknowledging India’s ancient past. Others warn that such efforts could undermine the secular fabric of the country, potentially reopening old wounds and stoking religious divisions. The controversy is further complicated by the historical and religious sensitivities surrounding Ajmer, a city with deep spiritual significance for both Hindus and Muslims.
The call for restoration also comes against the backdrop of broader discussions about the preservation of India’s historical monuments and the tensions that arise when historical narratives are intertwined with political and religious identities. Whether the Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra will undergo significant changes remains uncertain, as legal battles, political pressures, and public opinion continue to shape the discourse.