Centuries of reverence ended abruptly here. This is the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith. Once, this 12th-century shrine stood near Qila Lal Kot. It was deep inside Sanjay Van in Mehrauli. But the Delhi Development Authority razed it. This happened as part of a drive to remove illegal encroachments.
Haji Rozbih was one of Delhi’s earliest Sufi saints. He lived during Rai Pithaura’s reign. The tomb was a simple, open-air grave. It was whitewashed and plastered. People believed Haji Rozbih lived in a cave near the fort’s ditch. His teachings attracted many disciples.
Historian Rana Safvi notes the shrine was revered by Hindus and Muslims. This reverence lasted for generations. The Archaeological Survey of India recorded the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith in 1922. They called him one of Delhi’s oldest saints. He supposedly came during Rai Pithaura’s time. He then lived in a cave near the fort.
The ASI also noted a second grave. Local tradition said it belonged to the daughter of Rai Pithora. She embraced Islam through Haji Rozbih. His proselytizing caused anger. Astrologers saw it as an ill omen. They believed it foreboded the Mughal empire’s arrival.
The DDA said it removed several religious structures. This was done because they were illegal. They acted on a panel’s recommendation. The panel suggested removing illegal structures. Sanjay Van is a reserved forest. It should be free from encroachments according to the Ridge Management Board.
Historians argue that calling these structures encroachments is incorrect. Sanjay Van was notified as a reserved forest in 1994. So how could the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith be an encroachment?
Sam Dalrymple, a historian, called the demolition a massive loss. Sanjay Van had Delhi’s earliest heritage. Many graves belonged to Ghurid soldiers. These soldiers conquered the city. The shrines were some of the subcontinent’s oldest.
Ishtiyaque Ahmad visited the shrine every weekend. He found peace there. It was away from Delhi’s hustle. He was saddened by the demolition.
The DDA’s mission is to protect Delhi’s historic character. But the demolitions occurred anyway. The agency claims a religious committee approved the removals. The entire program was completed without protest.
The Hindustan Times reported that the DDA cleared four Hindu temples and 77 graves along with the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith.
Losing the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith is a loss for everyone, according to Rana Safvi. Heritage is common. This tomb wasn’t just important for one community. It was a place of reverence for all.
Today, little remains of the Tomb Of Haji Rozbith. It is a reminder of how quickly history can disappear. It also shows the complex relationship between development, heritage, and faith in Delhi. Yet, the stories of Haji Rozbih continue to echo. They whisper through the ruins. They remind us of a shared past.