SRINAGAR 13 May : A 17th-century Mughal-era mosque located in the Malshahi Bagh area of central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district is set for restoration after the Omar Abdullah-led government approved a Rs 5 crore conservation project during a recent visit to the district.
The mosque was constructed by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, for his spiritual guide Mullah Shah Badakshi. Once a prominent centre of religious activity in the region, the structure gradually fell into disrepair over the years, despite its considerable historical and architectural importance.
Officials said the restoration initiative is intended to bring the mosque back to its original form while carefully preserving its traditional architectural character. The work will be undertaken under expert supervision, with a focus on maintaining both structural stability and historical authenticity.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by local residents, who view it as an important step towards safeguarding the region’s heritage.
Mushtaq Mir, a resident of Beehama Ganderbal and provincial president of YNC, said restoration work is expected to begin shortly and expressed hope that the mosque would be restored to its original structure as it existed decades ago.
Caretaker of the mosque, Abdul Rasheed of Malshahi Bagh, described the development as a moment of relief for the community.
“I can’t express my happiness; it is truly a welcome step. The sanctioning of funds for the restoration of this historic masjid has brought immense relief and happiness to the local community. For years, people feared this centuries-old place of worship and heritage might lose its original glory. This step will help preserve its religious, cultural and historical significance for future generations,” he said.
Another local resident, Mudasir Ahmad Mir, said the government’s decision to restore the old monument is a timely and welcome step that will help preserve the region’s heritage and reconnect people with its historical roots.
