Heritage activists' plea to safeguard partially demolished Fatehbaug palace, residence of Abdu'r-Rahim Khăn-i-Khānān

By A Representative

A collective of heritage conservationists and social organisations have submitted a formal application to the Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad, urging urgent intervention to protect the remnants of the historically significant Fatehbaug Palace in Fatehwadi. The palace, believed to have been partially demolished recently by municipal bulldozers, was once the residence of Abdu'r-Rahim Khăn-i-Khānān (popularly Rahim), a prominent 16th-century Mughal noble, poet, and governor of Gujarat under Emperor Akbar.

The petition, presented by the heritage advocacy group Saanjhi Virasat and supported by civil society organisations including AJIM, Umang Foundation, and Ibteda Foundation, calls for immediate measures to halt further damage to the site and to consider its restoration as a public heritage space. The group also submitted historical documents and published articles attesting to the palace’s cultural and historical value.

Fatehbaug Palace dates back to the late 16th century, following Akbar’s annexation of Gujarat in 1572. Rahim was one of Akbar’s celebrated "Navratnas" (Nine Jewels) and the son of Bairam Khan, Akbar’s mentor. Though a powerful general and administrator, Rahim is best remembered for his devotional and philosophical couplets – Rahim ke Dohe – which continue to be quoted widely across India even today.

In their letter, the petitioners expressed concern that unauthorised encroachments had reached the very boundary of the monument, posing a grave threat to what remains of the structure. They requested that the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) re-evaluate any demolition plans and explore alternative proposals for the site, including the creation of a small heritage park that integrates Rahim's poetry into its landscape.

Describing the palace as a potential "symbol of communal harmony" in the city, the letter appealed to the civic authorities for swift action to preserve the monument and protect its surrounding area from further encroachment and degradation.

The activists have called on the AMC to initiate a comprehensive heritage audit and to involve local communities in reimagining the site as a shared cultural space reflecting Ahmedabad's syncretic history.

Small Farm, big success: How an innovative couple built a model of sustainable farming

By Bharat Dogra In Sema, a remote village in Rajasthan's Rajsamand district, Bhagwati Lal and his wife Rekha share equal credit for creating a remarkable farm that has become an inspiration for villagers and visitors alike. Their achievement demonstrates how even a very small piece of land can provide a strong foundation for sustainable livelihoods while enhancing climate resilience and protecting the environment.

Shrinking settlements, fading schools: The Tibetan exile crisis in India

By Tseten Lhundup* Since the 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959, the Tibetan exile community in Dharamsala has established the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) as the guardian of Tibetan culture and identity. Once admired for its democratic governance , educational system , and religious vitality , the exile community now faces an alarming demographic and institutional decline.

To Sonam Wangchuk: 'Will undertake 70 hour solidarity fast in Gujarat'

By Martin Macwan * Dear Colleague Sonam Wangchuk, I have never met you personally. I wrote a short article at the time of your arrest. Your work correctly introduces you. There is truth in your words. You have embarked on a fast, following the footsteps of Gandhiji. Your intention is to make people think. Your demand is reasonable; I believe that the resignation of a single education minister will not improve the state of education in India. However, the question you have raised is extremely important for the future generation of the marginalized. Education is the key to power, development, and progress, which empowers a citizen.

Counterview

Search This Blog