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== Delhi: Jama Masjid ==
 
 
 
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Keeping the faith
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By '''Professor Mushirul Hasan, Dawn''', March 11, 2007) </div>
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[http://www.Dawn.com Dawn] </div>
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This is a newspaper article selected for the excellence of its content.<br/>You can help by converting it into an encyclopedia-style entry,<br />deleting portions of the kind normally not used in encyclopaedia entries.<br/>Please also put categories, paragraph indents, headings and sub-headings,<br/>and combine this with other articles on exactly the same subject.<br/>
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Professor Mushirul Hasan pays tribute to an achitectural extravaganza.
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[[Category:India|D]]
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[[Category:Places|D]]
  
A coffee-table book about Delhi’s Jama Masjid.
 
  
About 500 metres west of the Red Fort stands an enduring monument to Shah Jahan’s passion — the Jama Masjid, an extraordinary specimen of architectural extravaganza built during the years 1650-1656. On its completion, it symbolised the high point in Mughal architecture. The following description is useful:
 
  
The Jumma Masjid stands upon a rocky eminence at the back of the Chandni Chouk .... “The little hill upon which it stands was originally a high conical point of rock; but no undertaking being too great for the architects of the days in which it was built, the upper part of the rock was cut away, and made serviceable in filling in below; and thus a large table surface was obtained, upon which the foundation of the present building was laid. This was executed in the year 1632 [sic], by order of Shah Jahan, then reigning, and the mosque itself, so deservedly admired by all, for its exquisite symmetry, is said to have been the emperor’s own design ... ” (Bacon, 1998)
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DELHI: J]]
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DELHI: J]]
  
Take one of the three pyramidal flights of steps on the east, north or south leading up to the main courtyard that has a large marble tank. Here the devout wash before offering their prayer. Once you mingle with them you realise why the great mosque has become a spiritual oasis.
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=Jama Masjid=
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See [[Delhi: Jama Masjid (Masjid Jahannuma)]]
  
The grandfather of Maulvi Zakaullah, the historian at the Delhi College, died in sijda performing the namaz. His family believed that Allah had blessed him and ensured his place in paradise. “Mir Mahdi,” wrote Mirza Ghalib in solemnity, “have you forgotten my accustomed ways? Have I ever once missed listening to the recitation of the Quran at the Jama Masjid during the blessed month of Ramzan? How could I stay in Rampur during Ramzan?”
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=Jamia Nagar=
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==Ghaffar Manzil: waste management/ 2019==
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[https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F04%2F05&entity=Ar00907&sk=6580A6A5&mode=text  Mohammad Ibrar, April 5, 2019: ''The Times of India'']
  
More generally, Muhammad Iqbal describes the impact of azaan in the following lines:
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[[File: Ghaffar Manzil- waste management, 2019.jpg|Ghaffar Manzil: waste management/ 2019 <br/> From: [https://epaper.timesgroup.com/Olive/ODN/TimesOfIndia/shared/ShowArticle.aspx?doc=TOIDEL%2F2019%2F04%2F05&entity=Ar00907&sk=6580A6A5&mode=text  Mohammad Ibrar, April 5, 2019: ''The Times of India'']|frame|500px]]
  
Suddenly rose the prayer-call, And overflowed heaven’s lake; That summons at which even Cold hearts of mountains quake.
 
  
Again, the glory and splendour of the Masjid beckons — from sunrise to sunset — the faithful to unite in congregation and reinforces Iqbal’s assertion that the slave and master perform the namaz under the same roof.
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Disgusted with the garbage and the stench around, residents of Jamia Nagar’s Ghaffar Manzil took matters into their own hands to clean up their surroundings. An awareness programme was recently initiated in which residents were asked to click pictures of open garbage piles and infrastructural woes and share them on a WhatsApp group. A subsequent campaign then pushed for these to be acted upon.
  
Ek hi saf mein khare ho gaye Mahmud-o-Ayaz
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“Our area had a bad reputation because there was no sense of cleanliness and the municipal services were all but absent,” said Tehreema Ahmed, a former schoolteacher. “When the filth and the garbage became too much for us, we had no option but to join hands in trying to change the place.”
Na koi banda raha aur na koi banda nawaz
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Today, the same Masjid … stands majestically on top of a large hill. It symbolises many things to many people, a site of religious piety and devotion, for example. To some, it is also a vibrant symbol of secular India, a country inhabited by nearly 140 million Muslims whose religious rights are safeguarded by a constitution that is both democratic and secular. When the muezzin calls the faithful to prayer five times a day, scores of people hurriedly walk through the crowded bazaars to take the flight of stairs leading to the spacious courtyard of the Jama Masjid. This is a testimony of living Islam in the Indian environment.
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The young and the old of the neighbourhood came together to form the Ghaffar Manzil Welfare Group. “We made the people aware of the importance of clean surroundings,” said Tarannum Abdullah, a designer. “We asked them to take photos of garage or filth lying unattended near their houses. Once we had identified these, we passed the information to the local councillor for him to initiate steps to rectify the problems.
  
The great mosque has witnessed the changing fortunes of Shahjahanabad, ‘the Sovereign City in Mughal India’ from 1639-1739. It started with the steady decline of the Mughal Empire, followed by its final denouement. Thanks to Lord Lake, the British presence was felt in the early days of the 19th century. Soon, stories of their stranglehold over Aurangzeb’s inept successors began circulating in the bazaars. The anti-British pamphlet plastered on the Jama Masjid — Risala-i Fathai-Islam — offered a flicker of hope to just a handful who sought to oust the ferenghis from Shahjahanabad. But the 1857 uprising burst like a bubble.
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One of the tangible results of this exercise is a sorely-needed playground for the children. The people got a barren plot that was used as a garbage dump cleared and covered with grass for use as a ground. A new gate has been built and the ground is accessible to all the residents. They also cleaned up another trash heap. “Our councillor has been very supportive and assured of her support we decided to convert that spot into a green lawn,” said homemaker Nasreen Zaidi.
  
Delhi was stormed on September 14, 1857. The minarets of Jama Masjid, a mute witness to the plight of a beleaguered Bahadur Shah, the last Mughal Emperor, saw it all. A few days later, the Masjid itself was taken over. Officers and soldiers clambered up the minaret and “saw the whole city and country like a map below our feet; all Delhi was ours”. They danced about, drank beer and brandy, and lit fire in the mosque. More celebration took place at the home of Colonel Baird Smith. Midnight came, corks popped, fireworks exploded.
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The people now make sure the trucks come regularly to pick up the garbage. “Currently, we are building segments and planting several plants and even vertical gardens on the boundary walls of the ground,” informed Shadab, a resident. He added that the “change on the ground proves that people can themselves achieve the change they want to see in their lives”.
[[File: Mirza Ghalib's Tomb.jpg|Mirza Ghalib's Tomb. Photo courtesy: Aga Khan Trust. This is a monument in the Nizamuddin area of south-east Delhi. |frame|500px]]
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From the top of the ridge an officer in the Engineering Corps gazed down at a picturesque city: the red walls and fine gateways of the palace, the splendid Jama Masjid, the red walls with the bastions, the Yamuna with its green banks; “altogether a beautiful and most interesting view”. By October, many of the structures between Lal Qila and the Masjid were razed to the ground to provide the fort a clear field of fire. “Where is Delhi?” Mirza Ghalib anguished. “By God, it is not a city now. It is a camp. It is a cantonment … I tell you without exaggeration,” he told his friend, “that from the Jama Masjid to the Rajghat Gate is a barren wilderness, and if the bricks piled here and there were taken away it would be absolutely bare.” The British seized the Jama Masjid, sold the Fatehpuri Masjid to a banker, and used the Zinat-ul Masjid as a bakery. Mirza Ghalib, living in Gali Qasimjaan, bemoaned:
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The walls and doorways of my house are mourning Are as meadows overgrown with grass;
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The members of the welfare group themselves contributed the funds required for various activities. The awareness campaign was led by children. “It is the children who are affected the most, so it is necessary that we involve them in spreading a good message,” noted Ahmed.
Where is the spring, why ask how the autumn looks?
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The Jama Masjid remained under British occupation until 1862. To one of his friends, Ghalib reported: “News of the King’s death appeared in Awadh Akhbar, but I’ve not seen it confirmed anywhere ... They say that the Jama Masjid is to be given back. I shouldn’t be surprised if it’s true.” Finally, on December 16, 1862, he informed the same friend, “You seek news of Delhi and Alwar accept my greetings. The Jama Masjid has been returned. On the steps of the Chitli Qabar side, the kabab-sellers have set up shops, and eggs and hens and pigeons are on sale.”
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=JNU campus=
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==Rock carvings, Delhi==
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[[File: CAMPUS CRADLES HISTORY ASI says it would assist JNU in preserving the ‘medieval’ rock engravings.png|CAMPUS CRADLES HISTORY ASI says it would assist JNU in preserving the ‘medieval’ rock engravings|frame|500px]]
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[http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/welcome.asp?skin=pastissues2&QS=skin%3Dpastissues2%26enter%3DLowLevel The Times of India]
  
The Masjid would have been levelled to the ground if Lord Palmerton had his way. Some wanted a Christian cathedral to be built in its place. But better sense prevailed. Canning, the British viceroy, urged the prime minister not to ask for anything to be done against the religion of either race. Other officials scotched the proposal to remove the tank of the Jama Masjid for the convenience of the Punjab Infantry, and ordered that the infantry be shifted from the Masjid to the cattlesheds in Daryaganj.
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''' Rock carvings unearthed at JNU, but ASI prefers to bury history '''
  
Except for a flurry of activity during the Khilafat movement in the early 1920s, when Swami Shraddhanand spoke from Jama Masjid’s pulpit, an eloquent testimony to Hindu-Muslim amity then, life in and around the mosque remained generally quiet after the 1857 tumult. The British wielded the big stick to drive out the recalcitrant elements and reduced their detractors into submission or willing collaborators. From the 1860s onwards, the winds of the nationalist ferment did not blow across Shahjahanabad, though a few sporadic outbursts caused concern in bureaucratic circles. In general, the imperial progress became smooth and steady. This was exemplified by the state entry of King George V, crowned emperor of India on December 12, 1912. Astride a horse on a perfect winter’s day with a bright sun, blue sky and cool breeze, his procession passed through Red Fort between the stately fort and the gleaming domes of Jama Masjid ...
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Neha Lalchandani & Richi Verma TNN
  
This elaborate and grand extravaganza turned out to be the last one. As the Indian flag fluttered on the ramparts of the Red Fort, once the site of the trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, the curtain was drawn on the British Empire ...
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The Times of India, July 16, 2011
  
The Jama Masjid is a sacred Muslim site. It will remain so.
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New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University staff had discovered some ancient rock carvings on the campus in 2007 and had informed the Archaeological Survey of India. An inspection was carried out later in the year and ASI officials, who were inclinedthen tobelievethatthe carvings held promise of being an important find, were to submit a report on their carbon dating.Four years down the line, when the campus is undergoing massive changes due to construction work, ASI is yet to determine whether the findings have authentic historical significance or not.Dr Surya Prakash, who has been in touch with ASI since 2007, said that initially ASI was equally excited about the find but over the years officials stopped responding to phone calls and emails.
________________________________________
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Excerpted with permission from
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Jama Masjid: Call of the Soul
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By N.L. Batra
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Niyogi Books. Available with
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Oxford University Press,
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Plot # 38, Sector 15,
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Korangi Industrial Area, Karachi
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Tel: 111-693-673
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ISBN 81-901936-3-5
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“First we were told that the staff was busy with Commonwealth Games preparations, but once that was over ASI started ignoring our calls. We have not heard from them,” he said. Sources said the dating was important also because there were more such historical remains likely to be found in JNU and many mightbe getting destroyedin the construction work going on in the campus.
161pp. Rs2,460
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Professor Mushirul Hasan is vice chancellor of the Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi, India.
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BR Mani, joint director general ASI told TOI: “The etchings could be from the medieval times. While ASI cannot declare it of national importance because there are uncertainties about their origin, the university should definitely preserve them and ASI will be glad to assist in any matter. Some of the carvings could be new and it requires more investigation.
  
N.L. Batra works with the Archaeological Survey of India.
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Former director general of ASI Dr R C Aggarwal, who saw pictures of the carvings, said: “The engravings are definitely historical and appear to be from the medieval times.  
  
[[Category:India|D]]
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The elephant engraving is a completefigure andis fully decorated. There should be a corresponding figure to this one as the one found looks to be in motion. This kind of style is found in forts and palaces of Rajasthan. JNU should definitely preserve these findings and display it as part of their legacy. The carvings are in granite and should be maintained by fencing or something.” Dr Aggarwal is now principal director (architectural heritage) of INTACH.
[[Category:Religion|D]]
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[[Category:History|D]]
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Despite repeated attempts,ASIDelhicirclechief KK Mohammad remained unavailable. ASI officials, however, said that they would ask Delhi circle to submit a report on the issue along with photographs. While the Delhi circle should have informed the headquarters of the discovery when JNU reported it in 2007, officials told them about it only earlier this week. “When the Delhi circle team visited JNU last year, they said that the findings did not have much significance and there were just one or two letters engraved in the stone.
[[Category:Places|D]]
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However, we will reassess the findings to ascertain what their historical links are,” said a senior ASI official.
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ASI sources said that based on historical studies, it was quite possible that JNU did have archaeological remains. Though Delhi circle of ASI appraised these etchings about four years back, officials have kept the university waiting by not making their observations official. “When the ASI team came to JNU, they agreed that the etchings could have great historical significance.
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It has taken them four years to finally say that the findings are insignificant. And if that was the case why have the officials still not informed us. We had proposed removing the rock and placing it in safe custody, but ASI said that we shouldn’t move it till they have studied it properly,” said Prakash.

Latest revision as of 07:28, 15 November 2023

These are newspaper articles selected for the excellence of their content.

Contents

[edit] Jama Masjid

See Delhi: Jama Masjid (Masjid Jahannuma)

[edit] Jamia Nagar

[edit] Ghaffar Manzil: waste management/ 2019

Mohammad Ibrar, April 5, 2019: The Times of India

Ghaffar Manzil: waste management/ 2019
From: Mohammad Ibrar, April 5, 2019: The Times of India


Disgusted with the garbage and the stench around, residents of Jamia Nagar’s Ghaffar Manzil took matters into their own hands to clean up their surroundings. An awareness programme was recently initiated in which residents were asked to click pictures of open garbage piles and infrastructural woes and share them on a WhatsApp group. A subsequent campaign then pushed for these to be acted upon.

“Our area had a bad reputation because there was no sense of cleanliness and the municipal services were all but absent,” said Tehreema Ahmed, a former schoolteacher. “When the filth and the garbage became too much for us, we had no option but to join hands in trying to change the place.”

The young and the old of the neighbourhood came together to form the Ghaffar Manzil Welfare Group. “We made the people aware of the importance of clean surroundings,” said Tarannum Abdullah, a designer. “We asked them to take photos of garage or filth lying unattended near their houses. Once we had identified these, we passed the information to the local councillor for him to initiate steps to rectify the problems.”

One of the tangible results of this exercise is a sorely-needed playground for the children. The people got a barren plot that was used as a garbage dump cleared and covered with grass for use as a ground. A new gate has been built and the ground is accessible to all the residents. They also cleaned up another trash heap. “Our councillor has been very supportive and assured of her support we decided to convert that spot into a green lawn,” said homemaker Nasreen Zaidi.

The people now make sure the trucks come regularly to pick up the garbage. “Currently, we are building segments and planting several plants and even vertical gardens on the boundary walls of the ground,” informed Shadab, a resident. He added that the “change on the ground proves that people can themselves achieve the change they want to see in their lives”.

The members of the welfare group themselves contributed the funds required for various activities. The awareness campaign was led by children. “It is the children who are affected the most, so it is necessary that we involve them in spreading a good message,” noted Ahmed.

[edit] JNU campus

[edit] Rock carvings, Delhi

CAMPUS CRADLES HISTORY ASI says it would assist JNU in preserving the ‘medieval’ rock engravings

The Times of India

Rock carvings unearthed at JNU, but ASI prefers to bury history

Neha Lalchandani & Richi Verma TNN

The Times of India, July 16, 2011

New Delhi: Jawaharlal Nehru University staff had discovered some ancient rock carvings on the campus in 2007 and had informed the Archaeological Survey of India. An inspection was carried out later in the year and ASI officials, who were inclinedthen tobelievethatthe carvings held promise of being an important find, were to submit a report on their carbon dating.Four years down the line, when the campus is undergoing massive changes due to construction work, ASI is yet to determine whether the findings have authentic historical significance or not.Dr Surya Prakash, who has been in touch with ASI since 2007, said that initially ASI was equally excited about the find but over the years officials stopped responding to phone calls and emails.

“First we were told that the staff was busy with Commonwealth Games preparations, but once that was over ASI started ignoring our calls. We have not heard from them,” he said. Sources said the dating was important also because there were more such historical remains likely to be found in JNU and many mightbe getting destroyedin the construction work going on in the campus.

BR Mani, joint director general ASI told TOI: “The etchings could be from the medieval times. While ASI cannot declare it of national importance because there are uncertainties about their origin, the university should definitely preserve them and ASI will be glad to assist in any matter. Some of the carvings could be new and it requires more investigation.”

Former director general of ASI Dr R C Aggarwal, who saw pictures of the carvings, said: “The engravings are definitely historical and appear to be from the medieval times.

The elephant engraving is a completefigure andis fully decorated. There should be a corresponding figure to this one as the one found looks to be in motion. This kind of style is found in forts and palaces of Rajasthan. JNU should definitely preserve these findings and display it as part of their legacy. The carvings are in granite and should be maintained by fencing or something.” Dr Aggarwal is now principal director (architectural heritage) of INTACH.

Despite repeated attempts,ASIDelhicirclechief KK Mohammad remained unavailable. ASI officials, however, said that they would ask Delhi circle to submit a report on the issue along with photographs. While the Delhi circle should have informed the headquarters of the discovery when JNU reported it in 2007, officials told them about it only earlier this week. “When the Delhi circle team visited JNU last year, they said that the findings did not have much significance and there were just one or two letters engraved in the stone.

However, we will reassess the findings to ascertain what their historical links are,” said a senior ASI official.

ASI sources said that based on historical studies, it was quite possible that JNU did have archaeological remains. Though Delhi circle of ASI appraised these etchings about four years back, officials have kept the university waiting by not making their observations official. “When the ASI team came to JNU, they agreed that the etchings could have great historical significance.

It has taken them four years to finally say that the findings are insignificant. And if that was the case why have the officials still not informed us. We had proposed removing the rock and placing it in safe custody, but ASI said that we shouldn’t move it till they have studied it properly,” said Prakash.

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