Preserving Our History: A Timeless Monument Wrecked by Vandalism - Lessons Learned
Outrage erupts in India as vandals shatter an 18th-century Mughal monument, leaving historians pleading for enhanced safeguards to protect the country's rich cultural legacy Neglected and vulnerable, Mughal heritage demands urgent attention
Historians in India are calling for better protection of the country's cultural heritage after discovering an act of vandalism at an 18th-century monument built by the Mughal empire. The destruction of parts of three emperors' tombs at the Zafar Mahal palace in New Delhi was found by historians during a heritage walk. The site is overseen by a government agency responsible for conserving historic monuments.
Historian Sam Dalrymple revealed that the Zafar Mahal is believed to be the final great Mughal monument, and expressed concern about the ongoing neglect of Mughal history in Delhi. The vandalism at the site includes damage to the marble lattice screen surrounding the empty grave of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, who was exiled to Myanmar by the British in 1858.
Artist Srishti Rana Menon expressed her sorrow, stating that the destruction was "truly heartbreaking." On her Instagram, she described the place as "hauntingly beautiful" and lamented the loss of the exquisite jaalis, emphasizing that what was lost was truly invaluable.
The broken jaali at Zafar Mahal.
Courtesy Sam Dalrymple
"Absolutely shocked, hurt and angry at whatever took place," wrote another user. "Considering myself lucky to witness these before the vandalism."
The palace is one of over 170 heritage sites in Delhi protected by the government-run Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is open to the public free of charge. Praveen Singh, superintending archaeologist from ASI Delhi Circle, downplayed the vandalism at Zafar Mahal, stating that while it was damaged, the entire monument has not disappeared. He also mentioned that a complaint had been filed with the police in Delhi's southern Mehrauli district.
No arrests have been made and authorities will investigate the case, a Mehrauli police official said.
Left to neglect
Delhi, boasting a population of over 20 million, has experienced rapid urbanization in recent decades, highlighted by its impressive modern metro system and the growing middle class that represents India's economic expansion. Despite its modern development, Delhi is also home to centuries-old monuments and medieval ruins that make it comparable to the world's greatest ancient cities, according to historians.
Humayun's Tomb, another historic Mughal-era monument, in New Delhi.
Dalrymple, who was raised in Delhi, described the city as a rare gem in terms of its historical significance, comparing it to the likes of Rome and Cairo. "The sheer depth of history is truly remarkable," he added.
He also questioned how vandals were able to cause damage at a monument in the capital.
"One of the greatest tragedies is that this is happening in Delhi. Whats happening outside?" he said.
Zafar Mahal was already in a state of disrepair before the vandalism occurred, as reported by amateur historian Shah Umair. Weeds were growing around the tombs and dirt had accumulated on the walls and other structures. Umair, who discovered the damage alongside Dalrymple, stated that the ASI had been promising renovations for years but no steps had been taken so far.
School children during a heritage walk at Zafar Mahal in New Delhi.
Subir Halder/The India Today Group/Getty Images
Singh, of ASI, stated that repairs at Zafar Mahal were originally planned to begin in April, but were postponed due to delays in determining cost estimates.
"We do regular preservation and conservation of all monuments as and when required," Singh said.
Mughal heritage
During the reign of the Mughal empire from 1526 to 1858, emperor Shah Jahan oversaw the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for his wife, as well as numerous other artistic endeavors throughout India. The destroyed jaali at Zafar Mahal is seen as a prime example of the Indo-Islamic art movement that thrived during this time.
In recent years, the surge of Hindu nationalism in India has sparked controversy around some Mughal-era monuments. One instance of this was in 2017 when the exclusion of the UNESCO-listed Taj Mahal from an official government tourism brochure caused outrage. Former Tourism Minister Alphons Kannanthanam brushed off the controversy, declaring the Taj Mahal as "India's pride."
The Taj Mahal is an ivory-white marble mausoleum on the south bank of the Yamuna river in the Indian city of Agra.
Kriangkrai Thitimakorn/Moment RF/Getty Images
However, for many, the controversy revealed the underlying intention of the ruling Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party to erase India's former Muslim rulers from its cultural history.
Historian Rana Safvi called for increased protection of the unique Mughal architecture found in south Delhi's Mehrauli district, emphasizing its distinct Indo-Islamic art that is not found anywhere else in India. This includes well-known motifs such as marble jaalis and floral symbols.
Safvi also urged authorities to do more to protect lesser known, but equally significant monuments.
"We should take pride in our history," she said.
CNNs Aishwarya Iyer contributed reporting from New Delhi.
