Akhunji Mosque, located near the Qutub Minar in Delhi, is an important but lesser-known historical structure. It is believed to date back between 600 and 700 years, which places its construction during the era of the Delhi Sultanate, possibly during the reign of Razia Sultana (1236–1240), the first and only female ruler of the Sultanate. Historical Context: Razia Sultana, the daughter of Iltutmish, ruled the Delhi Sultanate for a brief period but is remembered for her administrative skills and the challenges she faced in a male-dominated era. The mosque's association with this time suggests that it may have been built either as a small royal or community mosque serving locals in the Qutub area, or potentially by nobles or scholars linked to Razia's court. Architectural Style: Being from the Delhi Sultanate period, the Akhunji Mosque would likely exhibit the Indo-Islamic architectural style that combined Islamic motifs with local Indian traditions. The mosque would typically have pointed arches, domes, and ornamental calligraphy in Arabic. The materials used would probably have included local stone, and it might have had intricate carvings similar to those seen in structures around the Qutub Minar complex. Establishment and Usage: Mosques from this era were often centers of religious instruction, community gathering, and administration. The Akhunji Mosque may have been a hub for local religious activities and also a place where people gathered for prayers and social discussions. Its proximity to Qutub Minar, a significant symbol of the Delhi Sultanate, highlights its strategic and cultural importance at that time. If this mosque is indeed from Razia Sultana's reign, it underscores the relatively few but significant architectural projects linked to her brief tenure. However, it also hints at the richness of heritage structures scattered around the Mehrauli region, which was once the heart of medieval Delhi. This mosque was recently demolished by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as part of a controversial drive to clear what they termed as "illegal encroachments" in the Sanjay Van area, a reserved forest near the Qutub complex. This demolition, carried out in January 2024, also included the adjacent Madrasa Bahrul Uloom and a cemetery. The mosque's exact age is uncertain, with historical records suggesting it was repaired in 1853. Some historians speculate it might have been built during the reign of Razia Sultana, while others believe it is from the Delhi Sultanate period. The mosque, however, was not protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) or the Delhi Archaeology Department, which meant it lacked the legal safeguards that many other historical monuments in the city have. The demolition has triggered a legal and public outcry, with the Delhi High Court now involved in reviewing the actions of the DDA. The court has asked the DDA to explain the demolition and assess whether proper notice was given before the action. The situation remains tense, with the site cordoned off and fears of further demolitions.
