Hyderabad: 400-year-old mosque near Puranapul crumbling & in need of upkeep

 

The mosque was built by Mia Mishk, an employee of Abul Hassan Tana Shah between 1676 and 1678

HYDERABAD: Standing for over 400 years now, the Mia Mishk mosque near Puranapul is now crying out for attention. Recent spells of rain, with more expected in the coming days, have weakened the mosque’s structure and further water leakage may cause damage to its entrance and walls.

Leakage and crumbling pieces around the structure have prompted the mosque’s caretakers to raise the issue with officials but they said there has been no movement on these complaints so far.

“The matter was taken up with concerned authorities on the instruction of our party chief Asaduddin Owaisi while representations have also been made in this regard. Water leakage inside the mosque and the developing cracks at the entrance need to be repaired immediately. The mosque should be protected as it an old and beautiful monument,’’ former AIMIM corporator, Mohammed Abdul Samad Warsi, told TOI.

The mosque was constructed between 1676 and 1678 by Mia Mishk, an employee under Abul Hassan Tana Shah, the ruler of Qutub Shahi dynasty. The façade of the masjid resembles the Charminar. The mosque has a unique structure and fountain while it also houses a dargah within the premises. People from various places pay visits to the site but many are disappointed over the structure’s upkeep.

The mosque is also listed among the archaeological monuments of the state as it almost as old as Charminar. An archaeological official told TOI they have taken up works to clear debris and remove bushes from the terrace and walls. “We have started cleaning works here. Mud, debris and bushes are being cleaned to stem the leakage, “he said