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Neglected Khair-ul-Manazil speaks of glorious past of the Akbar era

Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the monument still shows glimpses of the beautiful tile work that once existed on its main gate.

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Locals come here to pray every Friday
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Khair-ul-Manazil, meaning 'the most auspicious', is a mosque that stands opposite the Old Fort, and was built by one of the most influential women in Akbar's court --- Maham Anga, his wet-nurse or foster mother. Now standing silently in the city that is otherwise always busy, one can wonder why it is forgotten in time. Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the monument still shows glimpses of the beautiful tile work that once existed on its main gate.

In 1561, soon after Mughal Emperor Akbar was enthroned the 'Emperor of India' at the age of 13, all those who helped Akbar in his infant years rose to powers with him. Among these were his wet-mothers (those who feed the prince and help him during his infant years), who he really cared for. Maham Anga, the chief foster mother and his political advisor, also rose to power and she got monuments built in the city.

Khair-ul-Manazil is one such mosque, which was later used as a Madrassa. Currently, standing with its tall red sandstone gateway and some remaining tile work on the inside gate, it gives the glimpse of its glorious past. Locals come here to pray every Friday and since there is no electricity on the premises, lamps of oil are lit everywhere in the mosque. These lamps have now started to blacken the 'alcoves' inside.

The mosque has a board on its entrance that says 'Protected Monument' i.e. a monument of national importance under the Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1951.

"Well, there has to be some light when people pray, so what can we do? We cannot make the fittings as ASI will not let us do the drilling. So we light lamps," said the caretaker on condition of anonymity.

In 1992, ASI tried to stop the Friday prayers inside the mosque citing ruined condition of the structure. But this led to a protest from the 'Masjid Basao Committee' and the ASI had to back-off.

BEAUTIFUL

  • Khair-ul-Manazil is an archaic mosque that stands opposite the Old Fort 
     
  • It was built by one of the most influential women in Akbar’s court Maham Anga
     
  • Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the monument still shows glimpses of the beautiful tile work
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