Much has been written on the grandeur, architecture and design of the historical Makkah Masjid but very few people know that 20 to 30 years ago, the heritage structure had 5 entrances but the opportunists not even spared the historical masjid and closed 2 of its important entrances by making various constructions.
There are two entrances at the front of the masjid, one is at Muhajirin camp, Lad bazaar, one is from Julukhana and while another is from Panchmohalla. This entrance had a deep connection with Asifiya family. The bodies of the Asifjahi rulers and royal family members were brought to the masjid through that entrance only. It is said that there was also a royal bathroom at one side of the Makkah Masjid entrance from Panchmohalla, but now houses have been constructed there.
During a visit to Makkah Masjid a mud wall was found near Panchmohalla side. Municipality’s garbage bin has been kept alongside. A worker on the condition of anonymity disclosed that the wall was meant for easy carrying of vehicles at the time of digging of bore well etc. Whenever the need arises the wall is dismantled and the machinery is brought inside. But now some opportunist persons are deliberately piling heaps of garbage so that they can later make illegal construction on the place. A board has been installed at the main entrance of Makkah Masjid which states that constructions have been banned within a 100-metre radius of Makkah Masjid; violators will be subject to two years’ imprisonment and Rs 1 lakh fine.
Minority Welfare Department should discover the missing entrances of the historical Masjid to revive its grandeur.
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