ASI Announces Restoration Plans For Khirki Mosque In Delhi

Khirki Masjid, located in the South of Delhi, will soon get a facelift. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) announced that restoration work is set to begin on the 14th-century architectural marvel, and the focus of the restoration will be on the nine majestic domes that once adorned the northeast corner of the mosque's roof but collapsed due to neglect over the years. This ambitious endeavour aims not only to reconstruct these domes but also to strengthen the overall structure of the mosque.

The Khirki Masjid

Khirki Masjid is a double-storey mosque constructed with thickly-plastered rubble stone, featuring a series of basement cells on the lower level. The mosque's distinctive fortified appearance is accentuated by the presence of battered bastions adorning each of its four corners. Historians attribute the construction of the Khirki mosque to Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the prime minister of Firuz Shah Tughluq, who ruled Delhi from 1351 to 1388. Positioned on the outskirts of Khirki village, Khirki Masjid has suffered from neglect, resulting in the deterioration of certain sections and the collapse of several domes. The mosque's roof is divided into 25 equal-sized squares, with nine of these squares featuring formations of small domes, amounting to a total of 81 domes embellishing the rooftop. These squares are interspersed with 12 flat roofs, while the remaining four squares are left open, allowing natural light and ventilation.

The Restoration Work

Praveen Singh, the Superintending Archaeologist of the Delhi circle, revealed that the restoration work is scheduled to commence next month and is anticipated to take around three to four months to complete. Singh explained that the reconstruction would primarily focus on the nine domes situated on the far end of the mosque's right side. The estimated cost of the project is approximately Rs 40 lakh. To restore the domes, Deepak Panwar, the Senior Conservation Assistant from Hauz Khas, outlined the process of using dry bricks to create dome-shaped frameworks. These frameworks will be covered with a four-inch layer comprising a mixture of wet mud/clay and dry jute, providing a cushioning effect between the brick masonry and the rubble stone masonry for a polished finish. After a month, the frameworks will be removed, leaving behind the final restored structure.

Aims to Safeguard Heritage

This ambitious restoration project not only aims to revive the splendour of Khirki Masjid but also stands as a testament to Delhi's rich architectural heritage. Through meticulous craftsmanship and the use of traditional building materials, the ASI strives to safeguard this historic gem, ensuring its preservation for generations to come.

Address A 107, near Khirki Masjid, Malviya Nagar, Delhi
Hours 24 hours

Cover photo credit Shutterstock

RELATED Delhi 5 Monuments You Didn't Know Of

ALSO READ New Delhi Heritage walk in Lodhi Gardens