The grandeur of historic Jama Masjid overshadows all structures in its vicinity even the magnificent,17th Century Fatehpuri Masjid,which has received little attention over the years. Now,the areas parliamentarian Kapil Sibal has turned his focus on the structure. Sibal has asked the Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) to prepare a comprehensive conservation plan for the site. Neglect over the years has led to water seepage on the terrace and affected the minarets of this Wakf Board property. According to the initial plans drafted by the INTACH,the total project cost is estimated to be around Rs 6.24 crore. The estimate takes into consideration the restoration of the mosque and its precinct,and putting up uniform signages for the shops along the mosque. Officials said Sibal has promised to allocate funds from the MP Local Area Development Scheme and will approach bodies like the National Culture Fund. INTACH convenor,Delhi Chapter,A G K Menon said: We have begun working on the conservation plan and are waiting for funds to be allocated to prepare the detailed project report. We were approached by Kapil Sibal and have been assured that funding will not be an issue. According to Menon,the mosque requires extensive work as it is in a very bad condition. Shahi Imam of the Fatehpuri Masjid Mufti Mukarram Ahmed has also noticed the crumbling structure. The front minaret has started tilting precariously and can give way any time. We had written to Lieutenant-Governor Tejendra Khanna and Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and have been asking for help over the last two years. The mosque is of great historical significance and should be taken up on a priority basis for restoration. Though the mosque is an unprotected monument,it has been listed as one of the most important mosques in the Capital. Built by Fatehpuri Begum,one of the wives of Emperor Shah Jahan in 1650,historical records state that the mosque and its courtyard were damaged by the British after the 1857 uprising,when it was sold to banker Lala Chunna Mal. According to archival records of 1877,it was restored to the Muslim community. Built in red sandstone,the mosque has a single dome and lofty flanking minarets. There are seven bays and the central bay has the main arch. According to an INTACH report,The pillared prayer hall is a particularly delicate idiom of multi-lobed arcades and columns. In front of the mihrab,the prayer hall has a massive masonry block consisting of a domed chamber preceded by a pronounced pishtaq. The courtyard is stone-paved and has a large central tank. The courtyard is surrounded by single and double-storeyed apartments,which are used as shops and houses. Many additions have been made to the mosque.
