The ruling was made in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chandrapal Singh Rana, who highlighted the threat posed by certain private individuals to the heritage structure. Rana argued that the Hammam, built in 1620 AD, is of national importance, though yet to be officially declared an ancient monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The petitioner emphasized the ASI’s duty to preserve the site.
Allahabad: The Allahabad High Court granted interim protection to a 17th-century Hammam in Agra, safeguarding it from demolition.
The Bench of Justices Salil Rai and Samit Gopal directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and State authorities to ensure the monument remains unharmed. The Court also ordered the Agra Commissioner of Police to deploy adequate forces to protect the site.
The ruling was made in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Chandrapal Singh Rana, who highlighted the threat posed by certain private individuals to the heritage structure. Rana argued that the Hammam, built in 1620 AD, is of national importance, though yet to be officially declared an ancient monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The petitioner emphasized the ASI’s duty to preserve the site.
The ASI had previously surveyed the Hammam, confirming its historical significance. The Court acknowledged the submissions and issued protective measures, directing the matter to be revisited on January 27, 2025, by a different Bench.
The Shahi Hammam, a grand Persian-style bathhouse constructed in 1620 by Ali Vardi Khan, once served as a vibrant cultural hub. According to Volume VII of the District Gazetteers of the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, it was located in Chhipi Tola, featuring five arched gateways and a spacious courtyard encircled by two-story chambers.
Tahir Ahmed, founder of Agra Heritage Walk, notes,
“A pathway connects Agra Fort to the Shahi Hammam, where royal women would gather for special baths and celebrations. As the largest and central hammam in North India, it holds immense historical significance.”Despite its architectural splendor and rich history, the hammam now faces the threat of destruction, symbolizing the loss of shared heritage and identity.
For generations, the Shahi Hammam has also been home to local families and businesses.
“My family has lived here for five generations,” says Nikhil, a shopkeeper in the complex. “Over 50 families, comprising more than 500 people, reside here. Eviction would leave us destitute, with no means to survive.”
Ahmed emphasizes the monument’s irreplaceable value, lamenting the lack of preservation efforts.
“This hammam is unique in India and crucial to preserving our past. Restoring it could generate revenue and allow people to experience the essence of a Persian hammam,”
he says.
However, like many historic structures in Agra, the Shahi Hammam remains outside the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) jurisdiction and is left vulnerable to neglect and exploitation.
Currently under the District Magistrate’s custody, the monument is at risk of falling into private hands.
“Agra once had over 140 monuments, but now only 40 remain,” Ahmed explains. “Neglect and demolition by private developers have decimated our heritage, and the Shahi Hammam is no exception.”
The threat to the hammam highlights greed and negligence, with private builders encroaching on the site despite resistance from locals. Nikhil recalls a 2016 altercation when builders attempted to evict residents forcibly.
“We refused, but my family members were arrested, and I was charged with IPC 307,” he says.
Despite ASI’s assurances of conducting a survey, no concrete action has been taken. Locals accuse the District Magistrate of colluding with developers.
“It’s heartbreaking to see this historical site neglected and families displaced without rehabilitation plans,” Nikhil laments.
In 2024 alone, three houses within the complex were demolished, displacing 10-12 people.
“No legal notices were issued before the demolitions,” Nikhil says. “The builder offered only Rs 1.5 lakh per affected family, which is insufficient. We live in constant fear of losing our homes and livelihoods.”
Advocates Vikrant Dabas, Shad Khan, and Chandra Prakash Singh represented the petitioner, while Advocate Manu Ghildyal appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Archaeology Department and Agra Police. Advocate Manoj Kumar Singh represented the ASI.
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
