Twitter
Advertisement

With Allah, Haji Ali minaret to wow Mumbai

As the last scaffold covering its walls is dismantled, Haji Ali dargah’s gleaming new minaret can be seen in its entirety for the first time.

Latest News
article-main
FacebookTwitterWhatsappLinkedin

As the last scaffold covering its walls is dismantled, Haji Ali dargah’s gleaming new minaret can be seen in its entirety for the first time. A towering 99 metres, representing the different names of Allah, the minaret is the first structure to be completed as part of the plan to reconstruct the shrine completely in marble.

Floral designs in inlay skirt the lower part of the tower and ‘jali’ or lattice work covers the upper levels. The round balcony at the top, which can be reached by climbing the spiral stair with 113 steps, is crowned with a cupola held by pillars.

Hameed Gour, the marble work contractor, said that the minaret could be the first of this height in the world to be completely built in marble. And this is no ordinary marble; the stone is sourced from the fabled Makrana mines in Rajasthan which sent marble to Agra for the construction of Taj Mahal. “When it is completed, it will be a unique building,” said Gour, who is from Makrana.

The conservation firm which is rebuilding the shrine is using traditional construction techniques that do not use cement or concrete. “The walls are made of inter-locking blocks of marble and we have used no other building material like bricks or concrete,” said conservation architect Chetan Raikar, who is in charge of the project.

Since there are few artisans in Mumbai who can work in marble, workers were brought in from Makrana. Even the inlay designs in semi-precious stones like moonga (coral) and firuza (turquoise) are being done by artists from Rajasthan.
After the minaret, the mosque will be next structure to be rebuilt. The pillars have been completed. The dargah that holds the tomb of the saint Pir Haji Ali Shah Bukhari will be constructed next, followed by the office building and dormitory. The project is expected to cost Rs10 crores.

Though the shrine is believed to date back to the 16th century, the present structure was built in the 19th century. But the reinforced concrete and plaster buildings deteriorated in the salt laden air. When reconstruction work was started 18 months ago, the minaret was in danger of toppling down.

The new marble complex is expected to last much longer.  “This is the best marble in the world and it can withstand any weather conditions. The shrine will last till qayamat (judgment day),” hopes site supervisor Ghulam Nabi.

Find your daily dose of news & explainers in your WhatsApp. Stay updated, Stay informed-  Follow DNA on WhatsApp.
Advertisement

Live tv

Advertisement
Advertisement