Dipanjan

The Khair-ul-Manzil, meaning “The Best of Houses,” is a historic mosque and madrasa situated opposite the Purana Qila on Mathura Road in New Delhi, India. Constructed in 1561 by Maham Anga, the influential wet nurse and foster mother of Mughal Emperor Akbar, this monument reflects the architectural styles of the Mughal era.

The mosque’s gateway evidently is built of red stone, showcasing not only Mughal architectural elements but also presence of Hindu motifs and architectures which lies underneath the history.

The interior structure exhibits characteristics of Delhi Sultanate architecture. The huge alleged garbagriha, today known as the prayer hall, has five high- arched openings, and the mosque is constructed primarily of rubble covered with plaster. What lies underneath the plaster is yet to be discovered and only time will speak the evidence of hidden truth.

Upon entering through the old gates, an octagonal shaped water storage is seen, which might not seem very common in mosques. This can raise the question whether something is present beneath the structure which is now mostly being used by few people. 

The masjid is huge in area, and behind it lies a garden, which is closed for the usual public, but some sort of structures can be seen. On both the sides of masjid walks old rugged stone structures which are now broken. This takes the shape of a few chamber-like designs and its significance remains unknown. 

Interestingly, Khair-ul-Manzil also served as a theatre of conflict during the Independence movement. It is believed as per reports that, once British officers discovered that some revolutionaries were hiding in the monument, no sooner cannons were set up and the structure was bombed. Traces of bombing in black marks are still evident in the walls and ceilings of the masjid.

A debate still remains unresolved as there are claims of Khair-ul-Manzil being built on the site of the Hindu temple. As per Sita Ram Goel, a renowned scholar and historian dares to mention in his book “Hindu Temples: What Happened to them” that Khair-ul-Manzil is allegedly built atop of Hindu temple site. Is this fact actually considered the truth? Only further research by archaeologists will break the silence. 

Though there are strong beliefs and evidence that suggest the masjid was constructed on a Hindu Temple as there are presence of certain motifs and architectural elements surrounding the complete structure of the monument.

In summary, while Khair-ul-Manzil stands as a testament to Mughal architecture and the influence of Maham Anga, claims of it being built over a Hindu temple site remain inconclusive without further archaeological evidence. The mosque’s rich history and architectural significance continue to make it a subject of interest for historians and scholars alike.