500-Year-Old Lodi-Era Mosque in Agra Collapses After Days of Heavy Rains, Lacks Conservation

A 500-year-old three-domed mosque from the Lodi era, located in the Sikandra area of Agra, collapsed on Saturday following three days of continuous rain. Local authorities confirmed the collapse on Sunday, stating that "two of the three domes have crumbled, and the third is now precariously placed."

The mosque, constructed using Kakaiya bricks, known for their thin, flat design, and lime, was built on an 8-foot-high foundation. It featured a large central dome, flanked by two smaller ones, with walls adorned with lime punning. The roof boasted diamond-cut plaster and intricate designs. Despite its historical and architectural significance, the mosque was not under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

In 2002, the then ASI superintendent archaeologist, KK Muhammed, a Padma Shri recipient, included the mosque in the 'Adopt a Heritage Scheme' for restoration. However, after his transfer, conservation efforts ceased. The mosque was not officially recognized as a protected monument, leaving it vulnerable to neglect and eventual collapse.

RK Dixit, the conservation assistant at ASI who inspected the site over two decades ago, emphasized the mosque's importance for understanding the architectural transitions from the Lodi to the Mughal era. "The mosque was not protected, but it was crucial for understanding the architecture of the Lodi era and changes that occurred during the Mughal period. Such heritage sites should be preserved," Dixit said.

Agra district’s gazetteer records that Sultan Sikandar Lodi, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate, founded Agra in 1504, leaving behind several Lodi-era structures. The mosque, located near the Agra-Delhi highway, was one of the few intact remnants of this period. Locals noted that it bore a "striking resemblance to Babri Masjid from a distance."

Veteran journalist Rajeev Saxena lamented the loss, stating, "Due to negligence of authorities, Agra lost a significant heritage site. The damaged structure is one of the last known symbols of the Lodi era here."

Shakeel Chauhan, national general secretary of the Tourist Guides' Federation of India, also expressed concern over the collapse. "It was part of Agra's heritage. It wasn't a regular destination for tourists, and was part of the heritage walks organized by guides. We'll pursue with the central government to at least conserve the place and try to redevelop the structure," Chauhan said.

In 2010, the mosque had been at the center of controversy when a group attempted to offer ‘namaz’ there, leading to opposition. Following the incident, prayers were prohibited at the site, and the mosque was largely left uninhabited except for a few nomadic Banjaras who resided in the area.

Earlier this year, the central government informed the Parliament that ASI planned to delist 18 monuments, stating they lacked "national importance." The Lodi-era mosque, though significant locally, remained unprotected and largely forgotten until its unfortunate collapse.