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Bright streamers of freshly dyed cotton are stretched out to be tested before the great sandstone wall of the Red Fort.

       The scene described takes place in front of the majestic Red Fort, a historical fortress in Delhi, India. Vividly colored streamers of newly dyed cotton are being stretched, creating a vibrant display against the backdrop of the fort's great sandstone wall. The Red Fort was completed in 1648 by Shah Jahan, who was the great-great-grandson of Babur and is most renowned for constructing the Taj Mahal. During the construction of the Red Fort, Shah Jahan also built Shahjahanabad, which is the present-day Old Delhi.

       The wall of the Red Fort is described as having an Indian-style design, which means it incorporates architectural elements that are characteristic of India's rich cultural heritage. The wall stands in stark contrast to the exquisite Mogul architecture found within the fort. The term "Mogul" refers to the Mughal Empire, which was known for its grand architectural achievements. Inside the Red Fort, visitors can witness the splendor of Mogul architecture, which is characterized by intricate details, ornate carvings, and decorative patterns.

      One notable feature mentioned is the half of the private audience, also known as the Diwan-i-Khas. This section of the fort served as a grand hall where the emperor would receive ambassadors and other esteemed guests. The hall would have been a sight to behold, with its intricate architectural details and opulent decorations. It was here that the emperor would hold important diplomatic meetings and conduct affairs of state.

       One of the most famous symbols of Mughal opulence mentioned is the Peacock Throne. Made of gold and adorned with precious jewels, the Peacock Throne was a remarkable piece of craftsmanship. The emperor would sit on this extravagant throne during special occasions, while receiving ambassadors and dignitaries. The throne was designed to resemble a peacock, with its intricate details representing the bird's feathers.

       In summary, the passage depicts a vibrant scene outside the Red Fort, with vividly colored cotton streamers stretched against the backdrop of its impressive sandstone wall. Inside the fort, visitors can marvel at the exquisite Mogul architecture, including the private audience hall where the emperor received important guests. The opulent Peacock Throne adds to the grandeur and historical significance of the Red Fort.

NCERT chief denies dropping chapters on Mughals, says ‘rationalisation…’

The NCERT has removed chapters and topics related to ‘Kings and Chronicles: The Mughal courts’ from Class 12 history book to be taught from this session.

After the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) decision to drop chapters on Mughal history sparked controversy, the education body's chief has now issued a clarification.

Speaking to ANI, NCERT director Dinesh Prasad Saklani said the chapters on Mughals have not been dropped. “It's a lie. (Chapters on) Mughals have not been dropped. There was a rationalisation process last year because due to COVID, there was pressure on students everywhere”, he said.

Calling the debate unnecessary, the NCERT director said the expert committee recommended that if the chapter was dropped, it will not affect the knowledge of the children and an ‘unnecessary burden’ can be removed. “The debate is unnecessary. Those who don't know, can check the textbooks...”, Saklani added.

India’s NCERT revises history textbooks, removes all mentions of ‘Mughals’

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has revised its textbooks, which includes the 12th grade History book, by removing the chapters on the Mughal empire.

The change will apply to all schools that follow NCERT across India, according to local reports.

NCERT revises history, hindi and civics textbooks

The NCERT has removed chapters related to ‘Kings and Chronicles; the Mughal Courts (C. 16th and 17th centuries)’ from the History book ‘Themes of Indian History-Part 2’.

In the same way, NCERT will also remove poems and paragraphs mentioning the Mughal empire from Hindi textbooks.

The changes will be implemented for the current academic session (2023-2024). Aside from the 12th grade Civics book has also been revised, removing two chapters titled ‘American Hegemony in World Politics’ and ‘The Cold War Era.’

Continuing with the changes, NCERT has removed two chapters, namely ‘Rise of Popular Movements’ and ‘Era of One Party Dominance,’ from the grade 12 textbook ‘Indian Politics after Independence.’

NCERT has also revised Class 10th and 11th textbooks. Chapters on ‘Democracy and Diversity,’ ‘Popular Struggles and Movements,’ and ‘Challenges of Democracy’ have been removed from the Class 10th book ‘Democratic Politics-2’.

Additionally, chapters such as ‘Central Islamic Lands,’ ‘Clash of Cultures,’ and ‘Industrial Revolution’ have been dropped from the grade 11 textbook ‘Themes in World History’.

Senior officials confirmed that the new syllabus and textbooks have been updated from this year and are being implemented in various schools.

Who are India’s Mughals?

The Mughal Empire was a powerful Islamic empire that ruled large parts of the Indian subcontinent from the early 16th century to the mid-19th century. It was founded by Babur, a Turkic-Mongol prince who claimed descent from both Genghis Khan and Tamerlane.

Under the rule of Babur and his successors, the Mughal Empire became one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires in the world. It was known for its rich culture, art, and architecture, as well as its military prowess. The empire was characterised by a strong centralised government, a sophisticated administrative system, and a policy of religious tolerance.

Some of the most famous Mughal emperors include Akbar the Great, who expanded the empire to its greatest extent and implemented a policy of religious tolerance; Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife; and Aurangzeb, who expanded the empire but also faced challenges due to his strict religious policies.

The Mughal Empire declined in the 18th century due to a combination of internal strife, economic difficulties, and pressure from European colonial powers. The last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, was deposed by the British in 1858, marking the end of the Mughal Empire. Despite its decline, the Mughal Empire had a lasting impact on India’s culture, language, and history.

Shahjahanabad (Delhi) — Territory under the control of Mughals,

Shahjahanabad was the capital city of the Mughal Empire in India, established by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1638. The city was named after him and was located in present-day Old Delhi.

Shahjahanabad was a major political, cultural, and commercial center during the Mughal period, and it continued to be so even after the decline of the Mughal Empire. The city was home to some of the most magnificent buildings and monuments of the Mughal era, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, and Chandni Chowk.

The Mughal Emperors ruled over Shahjahanabad and the surrounding territories for centuries, until the British East India Company took control of Delhi in 1803. Even after the British took over, Shahjahanabad continued to be an important city, and the British made significant additions and changes to the city’s architecture and infrastructure.

Today, Shahjahanabad remains an important cultural and historical site in India, attracting millions of tourists each year to explore its rich Mughal heritage and experience its vibrant markets, temples, and mosques.

Mughal AI art shared by fake user on Twitter leaves netizens amused

Hyderabad: Social media has surely changed the paradigm of information production and consumption, with people staying up to date with news and current affairs on Twitter, Instagram and other platforms. However, the misinformation and fake news that comes with the misuse of digital media and tools is tedious to contain.

Recently, a historian named Benjamin Sigel on Twitter had posted a few images of people in the court of Emperor Akbar having pizzas. “Presentation of pizza by Italian ambassadors to the court of Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri, Govardhan(?), c. 1600, private collection (sic),” the tweet read.

However, a close glance at the username of the account, ‘@fakebensiegel’ reveals that it is a fake profile and the user is just impersonating historian Benjamin Sigel.

Soon the pictures were posted on the micro-blogging site, the post went insanely viral with over 17k likes. While many people on Twitter were dumb-founded looking at the pictures and pointed out that these images were extracted using techniques of Artificial Intelligence (AI), others were confused why a renowned historian posted these pictures online.

Some even believed the pictures to be true, and a few others posted some hilarious jokes and memes on the pictures.

“How is a historian sharing this??? You don’t even need to be an expert to know this is fake,” said a user. “Best use of AI art I’ve seen till date – to spread misinformation Jk jk I actually love how it turned out (sic),” wrote another user. “Wait this real ? Why haven’t I seen this before (sic),” said third user.

Centuries-old mosque glorifies Mughal architectural excellence

TAXILA: In a lush green valley surrounded by gardens and sparkling springs, a finely intact Mughal-era mosque is testimony to the ecological reverence observed by architects of the time as they designed their structures.

The Potohar region is filled with similarly unique historical places that trace back to Buddhist, Mughal, Sikh, Hindu and Muslim culture. The mosque, located in Wah village, was erected upon a three-domed structure, flanked by four minarets which appear to have been added much later. This mosque has a unique and un-matched architectural significance as its interior is decorated with stucco, murals and calligraphy. Three arched entrances lead to the main prayer hall.

The arch entrances are adorned with Quranic verses. The mosque’s domed ceiling bears haft rang (seven colours) patterns which were a known peculiar style of Mughal painters. This style was introduced in the region by artists who came from Persia at that time. Later on, it was also used in tile mosaics.

The interior wall depicts floral and geometric designs. On some patterns, glass pieces were added to make the design more perceptible.

Residents of the area restored the decoration inside the mosque and old patterns were filled with fresh colours. Masons were brought from various parts of the country especially South Punjab, who repaired the mosque and repainted the same designs by reproducing old patterns on tracing papers.

“The Wah village, where the mosque was built, belongs to the warrior clan of Khattars, who accompanied Sultan Mehmood Ghauri in his successful invasion of India from Central Asia,” said Raja Noor Mohammad Nizami, a historian.

He said this most notable and magnificent mosque was built during the reign of Emperor Akbar. He was of the view that as per the available historical evidence, this mosque was believed to have been built by Akbar (1556-1605) and later renovated by Emperor Jehangir (1605-1627).

A.G. Lone, an archaeologist and former curator of Taxila Museum, said many mosques built during the Mughal-era have lost their original architecture due to constant repairs.

While commenting on the significance and importance of the Wah mosque’s interior, he said although there are various domed mosques in Potohar, decorated with beautiful murals and stucco decoration, they were all built during the Sikh and British periods.

According to Qari Mohammad Sajid, maintenance work on the structure was carried out so that facilities could be improved but originality of the design was kept intact. He said worshippers perform ablution in the mosque with spring water passing through it, where water is said to be chilly during summer and normal during winter.

It is high time that the authorities concerned enlisted it as a historical monument, keeping in view its significance and importance.

The origin of Biryani – how a Mughal delicacy invaded Bengal

Bengalis are a race of foodies who practically eat to live and live to eat. It’s an inevitable component of any adda and the Bengalis are dead serious about it, any day, any time. Even people who have lived all their lives in the comfort zone of their homes and hearth do not hesitate to become the quintessential explorer when discovering new food or joints.

And when it comes to something like biriyani, the happiness of the Bengali Epicurean is one of exuberance and excitement and all one's self-restraint is defeated as the flavourful aroma overpowers the senses. Truly, biryani is one dish that Bengalis unanimously love indulging in though it is not an indigenous dish of India.

The exact origin of biriyani is not known, though historian Lizzie Collingham writes that the modern biryani was developed in the royal kitchens of the Mughal Empire (1526–1857) and is a mix of the native spicy rice dishes of India and the Persian pilaf. According to Pratibha Karan, who wrote the book ‘Biryani,’ biryani is of Mughal origin, derived from pilaf varieties brought to the Indian subcontinent by Arab traders. She speculates that the pulao was an army dish in medieval India. Armies would prepare a one-pot dish of rice with whichever meat was available. Different varieties of biryani developed in the Muslim centers of Delhi (Mughlai cuisine), Rampur, Lucknow (Awadhi cuisine), and other small principalities in North India. In South India, where rice is more widely used as a staple food, several distinct varieties of biryani emerged from the Hyderabad Deccan. Whereas, some believe that the dish originated from Tamil Nadu (Ambur, Thanjavur, Chettinad, Salem, Dindigul), Kerala (Malabar), Telangana, and Karnataka (Bhatkal), where Muslim communities lived.

All said and done, there is no denying that biriyani staged a bloodless coup and became the monarch of all gourmets in India, kings and paupers alike. The deliciously complex blend of flavours, spices, and aromas in biryani epitomizes the zenith of Indian cuisine. The ingredients for biryani vary according to the region and the type of meat and vegetables used. Meat (of either chicken, goat, beef, lamb, prawn, or fish) is the prime ingredient with rice. As is common in dishes of the Indian subcontinent, vegetables are sometimes also used when preparing biryani. Corn may be used depending on the season and availability. Navratan biryani tends to use sweeter, richer ingredients such as cashews, raisins, and fruits, such as apples and pineapples. The spices and condiments used in biryani also differ according to regional preferences. 

The evolution of biryani spans many centuries, many cultures, many ingredients, and many cooking styles. From an army dish to a dish fit for royalty, the biryani today is a pan-India culinary favourite. Its varieties reflect the local tastes, traditions, and gastronomic histories of their regions of evolution. There are so many types of biriyanis with local and hyperlocal variations that one is truly spoilt for options when it comes to experiencing this melting pot of flavours.

Biryani can be cooked using one of two styles/techniques, pakki ("cooked") and kacchi ("raw"). In pakki biryani, the rice, marinated meat, and vegetables are partially ("three-quarters") cooked separately, before being combined into layers in a cooking vessel. Different layers of rice may be treated with different spices (e.g., with dissolved saffron or turmeric to give the rice different colours and flavours). The contents are then baked to complete the cooking and allow the flavours to combine. Alternatively, the components may be fully cooked, and then simply combined by layering before serving.

In kacchi biryani, layers of raw marinated meat are alternated in layers with wet, pre-soaked, raw rice (which may be treated with different spices as above), and cooked together by baking, or applying medium-to-low heat (typically, for at least an hour). Cooking occurs by a process of steaming from the ingredients' moisture: the cooking vessel's lid is sealed (traditionally, with a strip of wheat dough) so that the steam cannot escape (proper Dum pukht). A yogurt-based marinade at the bottom of the cooking pot provides additional flavour and moisture. Potatoes often comprise the bottom-most layer because, with their natural moisture content, they brown with less risk of getting burned accidentally. The lid is not opened until the dish is ready to serve.

In Bengal, the Calcutta or Kolkata biryani evolved from the Lucknow style, when Awadh's last Nawab Wajid Ali Shah was exiled in 1856 to the Kolkata suburb Metiabruz. Shah brought his chefs with him. The Kolkata biriyani is characterized by the unique presence of potato, along with meat and egg. It is said that the former Nawab of Awadh was a great connoisseur of good food and encouraged his chefs to try new ingredients in the dish. The potato was an exotic vegetable in India and his chefs added it to biriyani, transpiring pure magic! 

Unlike other Indian biryanis, which are eaten with salan or raita, the Kolkata biryani is a complete meal and needs no accompaniment. Many, however, many swear by the combination of biryani and chaap—slow-cooked meat in a luscious gravy. It’s a great spicy companion to the otherwise mellow biryani. As one of the most popular dishes in Kolkata, it also has a fan following to match.

Some of the oldest and best-known biriyani joints in Kolkata include names like Shiraz Golden Restaurant on Park Street, Aminia in New Market, India Restaurant in Kidderpore, ZamZam in Park Circus, and New Aliah Hotel. Many new players have entered the fray and are also doing very well. The delicate flavour of Kolkata biriyani combines well with mutton pasanda and mutton chaap. Gourmets recommend Kachi Gosht biryani at India Restaurant, a recipe derived from Hyderabadi biryani preparations.

The Dhakai version of the dish from the Bangladeshi capital is no less seductive and is believed that it could have traversed the sea route to reach this port city, which was once ruled by nawabs. In 1610, after the Mughal rulers declared Dhaka as the provincial capital, Mughal subedars and other high officials arrived in Dhaka to manage the administration, and they brought — along with intrigue, grandeur, and tantrums — the biryani. Back then, people believed that the biryani could be prepared only for members of the ruling family, and that too on special occasions. The cooks came from the west, where the Hyderabadi biryani had only started to spread its aroma around India.

Somewhere along the way though, the Dhaka biryani developed its characteristics, which set it apart from its Hyderabadi progenitor – and even from the Sindhi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, Lucknow, and Tehari offshoots. The Kachchi Biryani is perhaps the most pleasant and authentic cuisine of Bangladesh. So, what makes Dhakai Kachchi different from other schools of biryani?

It refers to the ingredients which are cooked raw and in layers. Layers of meat, rice, and potatoes are infused with delicious blends of aromatic spices to prepare the Dhakai Kachchi Biryani. The key is to get the right balance of spices – not too spicy, not too bland, just right with succulent pieces of meat and potatoes. 

Dhaka is also known for selling Chevon Biryani, a dish made with highly seasoned rice and goat meat. The recipe includes highly seasoned rice, goat meat, mustard oil, garlic, onion, black pepper, saffron, clove, cardamom, cinnamon, salt, lemon, curd, peanuts, cream, raisins, and a small amount of cheese (either from cows or buffalo). Haji Nanna Biriyani is a favourite joint as are Hazi Fakhruddin Kachchi, Shalimar Kachchi, Bashmoti Kachchi, Sultan’s Dine, and scores of others. 

Artists demonstrate Mughal era artwork

ISLAMABAD:

A seminar was held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in collaboration with Nomad Art Gallery on Wednesday where traditional and contemporary miniature art was demonstrated along with a briefing on its origin and history.

Najam Kazmi, an established miniature artist, also demonstrated his artistic skills. Similarly, five other contemporary artists including Areej Nasir, Iman Pirzada, Khurram Abbass, and Tauqeer Hilbi also demonstrated their skills for amateur artists and students from various educational institutions of the federal capital.

During the event, the participants also created several drawings with the help of a demonstration by Najam Kazmi. This seminar was part of ongoing week-long activities to celebrate the cultural diversity of Pakistan and to create social harmony through soft expressions of art. The activities included a group art exhibition, performance, workshops, storytelling and seminar by various artists on the subject of `Diversity and Social Harmony" featuring traditional and contemporary arts.

Najam Kazmi has been working as a miniature, contemporary and traditional artist since 1989 to date. He was conferred the Tamgha-e- Imtiaz by the Government of Pakistan and honoured with the lifetime achievement award by the Rawalpindi Art Council. He has exhibited his work in many countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Algeria, Sri Lanka, India and the Gulf.

Mughal style of miniature painting was responsible for the amalgamation of indigenous themes and styles along with Persian and later European themes and styles. The arts of this period reflect a synthesis of foreign influences and indigenous flavour, said Director Nomad, Nageen Hyat. Pakistani art has a long tradition and history and Pakistani artists are very talented, she added.

She said that it consists of a variety of art forms, including painting, sculpture, miniature, calligraphy, pottery and textile arts.

Mughal India through Western eyes

The writer is a retired major general and has an interest in International Relations and Political Sociology. He can be reached at tayyarinam@hotmail.com and tweets @20_Inam

I think it is about time to change focus from the self-destructive political discourse, where there are no winners, and the only losers are the people and state of Pakistan. Maybe a dig into history reveals some normative causes. Teaching of ‘History’ in India and Pakistan suffers from deep religious, ethnic and racial malaise. It is generally distorted to suit home-grown narratives, myths and folklores. Young kids are brought up in historical romanticism; and those grown-ups even have to dig deep to separate myths from realities.

The first official historical narration of Mughal India is Tuzzak-e-Babri, or more famously Babur Nama, the Gazetteer of India (translated from Turkish to Persian and, then Urdu in 1924). Written by the first Mughal Emperor, Zaheeruddin Babar, who conquered India in 1526 AD, Oxford University Press printed the English edition in 1996. It covers the events in present day Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India circa 1494-1530 AD.

The second official gazetteer Akbar Nama in three volumes, of which the more famous Aeen-e-Akbari or the ‘Constitution of Akbar’ is a part, was the work completed under Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, the grandson of Babur and the greatest Moghul Emperor who consolidated the Mughal Empire (ruled 1556-1605 AD). The Aeen dilates upon Akbar’s mode of governance, including administrative reports and statistical returns of the late 16th Century Hindustan under Mughal rule.

In between, there are histories compiled by various writers mainly to eulogise governance and legacy of the rulers funding their work. It was around Emperor Jehangir’s time (ruled 1605-1627) that the western traders entered India’s south coast. Christian missionaries came along; and these educated literati wrote detailed accounts of their travels, conditions in India, local politics, and trade and commerce opportunities, besides preaching Christianity. These works were for their respective Churches and/or their foreign sovereigns. With little exceptions, these works till to date stand out for their ‘comparative’ objectivity, accuracy and historical quality.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier (1605–1689), a 17th-century French gem merchant and traveler made six voyages to Persia and India between 1630 and 1668 to explore India’s trading conditions, in comparison to Persia and the Ottoman Empire. He took along compatriot François Bernier, a physician during some of these travels. Dr Bernier stayed for 12 years in India and his Travels in the Mogul Empire (AD 1656-1668), published in 1670, gives an interesting account of India under Shah Jehan (ruled 1628-1658), and later Aurangzeb (ruled 1658-1707), after a protracted war of succession (1656-1661). The following account would bring to light some little-known facts of Mughal India under the great ‘Moguls’ as seen by Bernier.

First, the religion. During the war of succession, Aurangzeb killed his brother Dara Shikoh being deviant from Islam. Dara was reportedly a Hindu (Gentile) with Hindus, privately Christian (baptized by one Father Busee, a Flemish Jesuit); but ostensibly without religion — a kafir. Aurangzeb’s second brother Shah Shuja had turned to Shia Islam, as Mughal Court had more nobles (omara) of Persian descent. Bernier’s observations about Hinduism to follow.

Second, the Mughal Court. The omara numbered 26-35 at any one-time including local Hindu rajas, Afghans (Pathans), Persians, Turks, Arabs and Uzbeks. There was endemic rivalry between Lodhi Afghans and Persian-origin nobles. Persian-origin noblemen were particularly attached to their native country and professed the Shia sect. Afghans being at greater odds since Mughals had usurped power from Lodhis.

Unlike Christian kingdoms of contemporary Europe, Mughal omara did not have proprietorship of land/jagir allotted to them and had no independent revenue except pay. On death everything reverted back to the crown and widow(s), children were dependent upon the emperor’s largesse.

The omara were required to appear in the emperor’s audience twice each day and the Amir entrusted with guard duties for the emperor would sleep inside the Fort. Omara were obliged to make presents to the King, hence would resort to a cut from the salaries of the under command besides forwarding false returns of income and horses under their care.

Central Asians (mainly Uzbeks), generally referred as Tartars, had greater embassy with the Mughal Court. Dr Bernier was critical of their conduct and lifestyle. The emperor detained foreign ambassadors to demonstrate his power and receive homage. Dutch Ambassador, who was actually, their factory chief in Surat, was one of the first to present gifts, congratulations and salam to Aurangzeb.

Third, politics. Mughals were foreigners in India and were dependent especially on Afghan nobles and Hindu Rajas; the latter bearing equal rank to the Muslim omara and Afghan nobility. Distant Hindu lands and frontier tribes like Afghans and Baloch wielded immense influence in the Mughal affairs, and had more freedom of governance in their fiefs — rajwaras.

Many ‘Franks’ (fugitive Portuguese, wandering Christians) in service with rulers of Bengal were marauding bands of pirates in lower Bengal. Shah/Sultan Shuja, the third brother of Aurangzeb, during the war of succession while escaping to Bengal, and thence to Burma sought help from these Franks and was never found. They robbed Shuja’s party of diamonds from the treasure it was carrying. Aurangzeb, however, later avenged his brother’s death from the Burmese (Rakan or Arakan) king for abandoning Shah Shuja. Descendants of Franks last lived in Feringee Bazar, 12 miles south of Dhaka.

The vast Indian state of Bengal fell to the three ‘Georgian’ slaves of the last local Monarch, Ramras and fragmented into Deccan, Visapore and Golkanda kingdoms, before it was assimilated into the Mughal Empire.

In contemporary Europe, succession was decided in favour of the eldest sibling by wise and fixed laws; whereas, the Orient generally feuded in civil wars.

Fourth, social life. Mughals generally avoided marrying off their daughter/sisters to locals as none were considered worthy of royal alliance. Daughter of Shah Jehan, Jahan Ara Begum (commonly called Padshah Begum or simply Begum Saheb); and Roshanara Begum another sister of Aurangzeb, remained unmarried royal consorts. These women wielded immense influence and were also credited with many works of philanthropy and public welfare; while the emperors were more consumed in thwarting conspiracies, quelling rebellions and hunting game and other passions.

Aurangzeb reproached his teacher, Mullah Shah, who was seeking an office or reward for tutoring him, for teaching him languages and subjects of no relevance to the art of governance and to deal with question of succession etc. That may be true for our education system to this day. 

HC dismisses plea seeking possession of Red Fort by ‘Mughal family member’

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Monday refused to entertain a plea in which a woman claiming to be the widow of the great-grandson of Bahadur Shah Zafar II from the Mughal dynasty sought possession of the Red Fort in the national capital.

According to the petition, their family property was taken away by the British East India Company following the first War of Independence in 1857, after which the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled from the country and possession of the Red Fort was taken away from the Mughals.

The petitioner sought possession of the Red Fort or adequate compensation from 1857 till date for ‘illegal possession’ by the government or any other relief deemed fit.

A bench of Justice Rekha Palli while hearing the matter said, “My history is very weak, but you claim injustice was done to you by the British East India Company in 1857. Why is there a delay of over 150 years? What were you doing for all these years?”

It was also noted by the court that there was no document to support the claim that the petitioner was related to the last Mughal emperor.”You have not filed any inheritance chart. Everyone knows Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British, but if his heirs did not file any plea can she do it,” Justice Palli asked.

Advocate Vivek More, who appeared for the petitioner, argued that Begum was an illiterate woman. However, the court rejected the petition saying merely because the petitioner is an illiterate woman there is no reason why, if the petitioner’s predecessors were aggrieved by any action of the East India Company, no steps were taken in this regard at the relevant time or soon thereafter.

Agra: 'Ghatiya Azam Khan Road' renamed after VHP leader Ashok Singhal

Agra: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led administration in Agra changed the name of a road from 'Ghatiya Azam Khan Marg' to 'Shri Ashok Singhal Marg', after former Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leader Ashok Singhal.

Agra mayor Naveen Jain, who was the chief guest at the occasion, said, "It is part of the process to change the names of places that are reminiscent of periods of slavery and it will continue."

According to Jain, the decision to rename the road was taken to honour Singhal who had been born in a house located on Ghatiya Azam Khan Road.

Earlier on November 26, Agra's Mughal Road was rechristened as Maharaja Agrasen Marg. In the same month, the name of the ‘Sultanganj Ki Pulia' was also changed to 'Vikal Chok'.

The Mughal Road name change was announced in the presence of Maharaja Agrasen followers and locals, the Mayor said.

"There was a request to change the name of Mughal Road to Maharaja Agrasen by the followers of Maharaja Agrasen. A majority of these followers live nearby the road in the Kamla Nagar area through which the road passes," Jain said.

"After a demand to rename the road came, a proposal was passed by the executive committee of the Agra Nagar Nigam on September 27. After that, the members of the house passed the proposal," he added.

"We have no idea how a road that goes from Vikal Chok to Kamla Nagar was named Mughal Road. But future generations will be inspired now that it is associated with Maharaja Agrasen," concluded the Agra Mayor.

Earlier on November 26, Agra's Mughal Road was rechristened as Maharaja Agrasen Marg. In the same month, the name of the ‘Sultanganj Ki Pulia' was also changed to 'Vikal Chok'.

The Mughal Road name change was announced in the presence of Maharaja Agrasen followers and locals, the Mayor said.

"There was a request to change the name of Mughal Road to Maharaja Agrasen by the followers of Maharaja Agrasen. A majority of these followers live nearby the road in the Kamla Nagar area through which the road passes," Jain said.

"After a demand to rename the road came, a proposal was passed by the executive committee of the Agra Nagar Nigam on September 27. After that, the members of the house passed the proposal," he added.

"We have no idea how a road that goes from Vikal Chok to Kamla Nagar was named Mughal Road. But future generations will be inspired now that it is associated with Maharaja Agrasen," concluded the Agra Mayor.

Oldest Schools To Visit In India & Their Architecture Will Amaze You, Check Out Here

Regardless of any circumstance, school recollections remain until the end of time. We recall school and its exercises paying little mind to our age. In India, there are not many schools set up hundreds of years prior, and those noteworthy schools which were implicit the former time, yet their engineering is genuinely astonishing discipline actually rouse us in numerous ways. Here we take a gander at a couple of the most established schools in India and their astonishing design.

** HARE SCHOOL, KOLKATA.

This school was set up in 1818. It’s viewed as probably the best school in Kolkata and associated with the West Bengal Board of auxiliary instruction. It’s the most seasoned young men’s school in Kolkata. Its engineering is straightforward and excellent.

** ST. PAUL’S SCHOOL, DARJEELING.

Archdeacon Corrie had set up this school in 1823 in Kolkata and moved to Darjeeling in 1864. The engineering of this school is genuinely stunning and this all-young men school sits in the best pleasant area, ignoring the powerful Himalayas.

** ST. GEORGE’S ANGLO INDIAN HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL, CHENNAI.

This school was established in 1715 and it appeared as a male vagrant refuge. The school design is basic and excellent, it involves red block structures. The congregation and study hall square of the school are perceived legacy structures in Chennai.

** ANGLO ARABIC SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL, DELHI.

This school appeared in 1696 and it is the most established school in Delhi. The design of this school is really stunning and it mirrors the presence of Mughal engineering. This administration helped co-training school and has an inn just as a mosque. The underlying originator of the school was Ghaziuddin Khan, a general of Mughal head Aurangzeb.
Those were the oldest schools in India, having amazing architecture.