Agra Mubarak Manzil: Agra’s 17th-C Mubarak Manzil razed by ‘builder’ | Agra News


Agra's 17th C Mubarak Manzil razed by 'builder'
Locals accuse a builder of colluding with officials to raze the historic site. Agra’s DM confirmed an investigation is underway, and no further changes will be allowed at the site.

AGRA: The 17th century Mubarak Manzil, a Mughal heritage site also known as Aurangzeb’s Haveli, was largely demolished in Agra just three months after the state archaeological department issued a notification to protect the monument. Over 100 tractors of debris were removed from the site after the demolition drive, local residents said.
Mubarak Manzil has a significant place in history, detailed in Austrian historian Ebba Koch’s book ‘The Complete Taj Mahal and the Riverfront Gardens of Agra’.

Locals: Builder plotted with officials to raze monument

Built during Aurangzeb’s reign, it served as a residence for key Mughal figures, including Shah Jahan, Shuja, and Aurangzeb. The structure was modified under British rule, becoming a customs house and salt office. By 1902, it was known as Tara Niwas.
In Sept, the state archaeological department had issued a notification calling for objections to the site being declared a protected monument within a month, but none were raised. And two weeks ago, officials from Lucknow visited the site to initiate preservation measures. However, demolition began soon after their visit, leaving structure in ruins.

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Locals alleged that a builder, in connivance with police and administrative officials, carried out the demolition despite objections and the presence of a police outpost near the site along the Yamuna. Local resident Kapil Vajpayee told TOI, “I filed several complaints with authorities, but no action was taken, and the demolition continued. So far, 70% of the structure has been destroyed. We are planning to file a public interest litigation in the high court,”
Agra DM Aravind Mallappa Bangari confirmed that authorities were “aware” of the issue. “We have taken cognisance of the matter. The Archaeological Survey of India and the revenue department have been directed to conduct a probe. The SDM has been asked to visit the site and present a report. Meanwhile, no further changes will be allowed at the site,” he said.
Archibald Campbell Carlyle’s 1871 report provided detailed insights into the architecture of Mubarak Manzil. A marble plaque at the site indicated it was built by Aurangzeb after his victory at the Battle of Samugarh. Historian Rajkishore Raje added that Aurangzeb renamed Dara Shikoh’s palace to commemorate his triumph in the same battle.
The 1868 map of Agra places Mubarak Manzil near the pontoon bridge, where the current iron bridge stands. During British rule, the East Indian Railway used it as a goods depot. The structure’s red sandstone base, arched lower floors, and minarets reflected a mix of Mughal and British architectural influences.





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