ASI restores 9 domes of Khirki Masjid after decades of neglect

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed the reconstruction of the collapsed domes at the historic Khirki Masjid, located at the northeastern corner of the monument.

This restoration marks a significant milestone in preserving the structure, which had remained in a state of disrepair for many years.

A senior official from ASI’s Delhi circle confirmed to Patriot that the reconstruction of nine domes has been completed. “One square includes nine domes, and the mosque originally had a total of 81 domes. Out of these, nine domes had collapsed long ago and were in a deteriorated state. We have recently reconstructed them, restoring them to their original glory,” the official said.

Also read: Why winged visitors don’t feel welcomed anymore at Okhla Bird Sanctuary

The reconstruction work, which commenced in December of the previous year, was undertaken at an estimated cost of Rs. 50 lakh.

The project began with the restoration of supporting pillars, which had been in a dilapidated condition for years. These pillars were essential for supporting the domes but had been neglected for a long period. “The first phase of the restoration focused on the construction of the supporting pillars,” the official explained. “They had been in a deteriorated state for many years and had received no attention until now.”

This phase was followed by the restoration of the arches inside the mosque that connect the domes.

The work employed various techniques, including the use of Random Rubble Masonry. Shuttering and foam work were carried out using brick masonry and mud mortar. Notably, for the dome’s foam work, dry cow dung was used as a base, over which random rubble masonry was applied using lime mortar. This approach ensured both structural integrity and authenticity.

In addition to the dome restoration, the mosque has seen earlier repair efforts. In 2020, 19 pillars were repaired as part of a broader initiative to stabilise the monument. There are also plans to repair 12 more pillars in the future to further ensure the mosque’s longevity. “The restoration work aims to strengthen the structure of the mosque and preserve it for future generations,” the official noted.

These restoration efforts were initiated following concerns raised by local communities and historians regarding the mosque’s deteriorating condition. The renewed attention underscores the importance of safeguarding India’s rich heritage.

Khirki Masjid, a double-storey mosque built with thickly plastered rubble stone, has a distinctive appearance, resembling a fortified building. The lower level consists of a series of basement cells, and each of the four corners of the mosque is reinforced by battered bastions.

The name Khirki is derived from the Urdu word for ‘window,’ giving the mosque its alternate name, The Mosque of Windows.

In 2018, ASI officials made a significant archaeological discovery at the site. During clearance work, 254 medieval coins were unearthed. A study has been initiated to decipher these coins.

Also read: Delhi’s Purana Quila to reintroduce boating in January 2025 after long hiatus

The mosque has also made headlines in recent years due to an incident in which individuals from a particular community allegedly entered Khirki Masjid without authorisation to offer prayers. This led to the mosque being sealed by authorities.

Khirki Masjid is situated near Khirki village in South Delhi, close to Satpula (the seven-arched bridge), which forms part of the southern wall of Jahanpanah, the fourth city of medieval Delhi. The mosque was built by Khan-i-Jahan Junan Shah, the prime minister of Firoz Shah Tughlaq (1351–1388) during the Tughlaq dynasty. This architectural gem is a testament to the grandeur of medieval Islamic architecture in India and remains an important historical monument.