Glimpses of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb building a grand structure flash before my eyes. We stand before the Shahi Eidgah. It is located on the outskirts of Shahjahanabad, now known as the walled city.
Aurangzeb decided to build this Eidgah in 1658. He felt Shahjahanabad lacked a proper place for Eid prayers. Shah Jahan, despite replicating Agra’s buildings in Delhi, had overlooked this need. Perhaps, the succession war among his sons prevented him.
The Shahi Eidgah covers 31484 square yards. Thousands of square yards surround it. These grounds served the Namazi. The complex spans 283257 square feet. It accommodates 50000 Namazi at once.
Notice the main gate. It has two smaller gates for entrance and exit. The north and south sides mirror this pattern. This design facilitates the smooth flow of devotees.
The Shahi Eidgah is unique. No replica exists across Asia. It was well-maintained for 350 years. Negligence led to encroachment upon its grounds.
In 1968-69, the Jamiat-ul-Ulema-e-Hind sought government help to remove encroachers. They met with officials and partly succeeded.
President Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad took interest in the Eidgah’s development in 1975. Encroachers were removed completely. The Delhi Development Authority beautified the grounds. Id-Melas were organized here. After Ahmad’s death, neglect returned.
In 2007, Zahid Hussain Qureshi, a social worker, sought to restore the Eidgah’s glory. A committee was formed to oversee its affairs. Kapil Sibal, an MP, supported the efforts.
Currently, beautification work is underway. This is thanks to Kapil Sibal and the Delhi Development Authority. The Shahi Eidgah stands as a testament to Mughal history. It also shows community efforts for preservation.
Imagine the grand Eid celebrations here. The Emperor’s presence, the prayers, and the sacrifices. Butchers enthusiastically prepared for Bakrid. They slaughtered animals in the nearby hills.
Camels, buffaloes and bullocks were sacrificed. Restrictions on cows prevented unrest. The Idgah became a favorite spot for nearby rulers. They arrived in horse carriages.
The nawabs of Loharu, Basai Darapur, and others congregated here. Their presence added to the Eidgah’s prestige. Today, the Shahi Eidgah continues its legacy. It serves as a place of worship and a reminder of Delhi’s rich past. It reflects the city’s layered history.