AGRA: In a scathing critique, Scottish historian and Indologist William Dalrymple condemned the demolition of Agra’s 17th-century Mubarak Manzil, calling it an “appalling negligence of India’s heritage” and the main reason why the country fails to attract tourists from abroad despite its rich cultural past.
Sharing TOI’s report on a social media platform, Dalrymple said, “One of the most important historic buildings in Agra destroyed with the full connivance of authorities. This is exactly why India attracts so few tourists.”
In a continuation post on X, Dalrymple added, “Neglect your main heritage centres, allow developers to raze all its heritage properties, and then be surprised when this great country has fewer tourists than Dubai or Singapore.”
According to the World Economic Forum Travel & Tourism Development Index, India attracted 11 million international tourists in 2019, a stark contrast to France’s 90 million tourists that same year and Spain’s 85 million in 2023.
Dubai, a single city, recorded 17.5 million arrivals in 2023.
Mubarak Manzil, located near the Iron Bridge in Agra, was documented on an 1868 map. During British rule, engineer A C Polwhele reported its use as a goods depot for the East Indian Railway. A marble plaque stated that Aurangzeb built it after the Battle of Samugarh. British archaeologist ACL Carlleyle’s 1871 report detailed its architecture and historical significance.
The demolition of Mubarak Manzil has sparked widespread protests from locals, historians, and political leaders. Politicians have joined the outcry. Former chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Akhilesh Yadav and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi criticised the act.
Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guide Federation of India, said, “The Centre envisions making tourism a $1 trillion ecosystem with 100 million international tourist arrivals by 2047, but neglect towards heritage sites undermines this goal. Mubarak Manzil is not an isolated incident.”
“Other sites in Agra, including Zohra Bagh, Lodhi-era structures, and Shahi Hammam, have also been destroyed. Reports of water leakage at the Taj Mahal and damage to 400-year-old paintings at Akbar’s Tomb further dent India’s image as a tourist destination,” he added.
