Renovation time for India’s historic mosque, with Mecca connection
A 17th-century mosque in India’s historic city of Hyderabad, which is said to have been built with granite and bricks brought from Mecca in Saudi Arabia, is undergoing restoration to restore its pristine glory.
The Makkah Masjid stands meters away from the city’s defining landmark, the Charminar. The restoration is being done to conserve the mosque’s splendid structure. Chandeliers from the high roof have been fully wrapped using pieces of cloth while the tall minarets of the mosque has been covered with scaffolding.
The mosque is said to have been built with granite and bricks brought from Mecca in Saudi Arabia. (Supplied)
A team from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started the restoration work more than a year ago and it is likely to take some more time to complete. The ASI had last worked on Makkah Masjid in 2007 under a special arrangement since 1956.
According to Telangana Tourism, “The construction of Makkah mosque started in the year 1614 by Sultan Muhammad Qutb Shah and it was Aurangzeb who completed it in 1693. The mosque has a length of 225 feet and is 180 feet wide with a height of 75 feet. The roof is rested on 15 arches.”
A team from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) started the restoration work more than a year ago. (Supplied)
The mosque has two huge octagonal columns, created from a single piece of granite and topped by an arched gallery crowned by a dome. The mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at any time. It is believed that bricks used for its construction where also brought from Makkah.
It is said that the fifth Sultan of Qutb Shahi dynasty, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, was a great patron of art and culture.
The mosque has two huge octagonal columns, created from a single piece of granite. (Supplied)
Makkah Masjid was under construction when renowned French traveler of the 17th-century, Jean-Baptiste Tavernier, traveled to Hyderabad. “It is about 50 years since they began to build a splendid pagoda in the town which will be the grandest in all India when it is completed.”
Qutb Shah is known to have personally laid the foundation stone of the mosque, while 8,000 workers were part of its construction. The three arched facades were carved out of a single piece of granite, which took five years to quarry.
The mosque can accommodate 10,000 worshipers at any time. (Supplied)
Every year before the commencement of Ramadan, authorities set in process annual maintenance work to provide a facelift to the mosque. However, the ongoing work is a major exercise and is expected to beautify the mosque as well.
The people Hyderabad are hoping that the work will get completed sooner than later.
Ongoing work is a major exercise and is expected to beautify the mosque as well. (Supplied)
Courtesy: english.alarabiya.net
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Speaker Khader dismisses BJP's charges of 'delay' in swearing-in of Jeevaraj as MLA
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Assembly Speaker U T Khader on Wednesday rejected opposition BJP's allegations of delaying the swearing-in of D N Jeevaraj as MLA, asserting that the process was being handled strictly in accordance with constitutional provisions and rules.
BJP candidate Jeevaraj, who had lost the 2023 Sringeri Assembly election to Congress leader T D Raje Gowda, was declared elected late Sunday night after reverification and recounting of postal ballots in compliance with a High Court order.
The recount reduced 255 votes from Gowda's tally, overturning his earlier victory margin of 201 votes and reversing the result.
The recount followed an election petition filed by Jeevaraj.
Addressing reporters, Khader maintained that there was no delay in administering the oath to Jeevaraj, who was declared elected from the Sringeri Assembly constituency after a High Court-ordered recount of postal ballots.
“Where have we delayed? The application was submitted at 11 am. If an application is given in the morning and by evening someone says it’s delayed — how is that a delay?” he said, dismissing the allegations.
The Speaker said the matter involved 'technical issues' that required examination before fixing a date for oath-taking.
“When such a matter comes, we also need to examine it and take a decision as per rules. If an application is given in the morning, at least 24 hours must be given,” he said.
Khader stressed that his role was bound by the Constitution and not influenced by political considerations.
“When an elected MLA asks for time, we must give it under the Constitution and law. Can we refuse? No, we have to give it,” he said, rejecting suggestions that he was acting under party pressure.
He also underlined the need for trust in democratic institutions amid the controversy.
“A democracy and parliamentary system must function on trust. Without that, how can democracy be strengthened? Trust is essential,” he said, cautioning against creating suspicion around constitutional positions.
On claims that the delay was linked to the ongoing political and legal dispute over the recount, Khader said the issue did not fall within his purview.
“My responsibility is to act as per the Constitution and rules. I will ensure that whatever is due to them is done as soon as possible,” the Speaker explained.
He said he had already communicated his position when contacted and would formally inform the concerned parties. “There is no delay, nor any intention to delay. I will discharge my duties as per the Constitution,” he said.
Khader also pointed to possible legal complications in hastily administering the oath.
“If I give the oath to one person and tomorrow the court declares someone else the winner, what happens then? Will it automatically cancel? Will confusion arise?” he asked, indicating the need for due diligence.
On concerns that Jeevaraj had lost over two years of tenure, the Speaker said representation was linked to that constituency rather than an individual.
“Whoever becomes the MLA represents the constituency. Benefits are not given to an individual,” he said, adding that issues of alleged irregularities should be examined by the Election Commission.
The remarks come after the Leader of Opposition BJP in the Karnataka Assembly, R Ashoka on Wednesday accused the Speaker of 'deliberately' delaying the oath and approached Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot seeking intervention, even suggesting that the Governor administer the oath if required.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah termed the process 'Vote Dacoity' by Jeevaraj and said an FIR has been registered against the newly elected Sringeri MLA.
Defending the recount process, Jeevaraj denied allegations of tampering, while the High Court has stayed an FIR filed against him in connection with the postal ballot issue.
