The Kakrabad Mosque: An 18th-Century Heritage Site in Ruins
Hidden heritage: 18th-century Kakrabad mosque falls into ruin
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The Kakrabad mosque, built in 1776 during the reign of Asaf-ud-Daula in Awadh, India, is in a state of severe decay, with only one of its four minarets remaining. Despite its neglect and lack of documentation, local traditions continue as Qawwals gather weekly, highlighting the site's cultural significance.
- 01The Kakrabad mosque, also known as Almas ki Masjid, was constructed in 1776.
- 02Only one of the original four minarets remains standing.
- 03The mosque is largely undocumented and unknown, even to local authorities.
- 04Local Qawwals continue to gather at the mosque every Thursday, preserving its cultural heritage.
- 05The site serves as a reminder of many lesser-known monuments at risk of disappearing.
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The Kakrabad mosque, or Almas ki Masjid, is an 18th-century structure located approximately 11-12 km from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. Built in 1776 during the reign of Asaf-ud-Daula, the mosque is now in a state of alarming decay, with only one of its four minarets remaining. The structure, made of distinctive 'Almasi' bricks, shows deep cracks and sections have collapsed, while vegetation has begun to overtake its walls. Despite its deteriorating condition and lack of documentation by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the mosque still holds cultural significance as Qawwals gather there every Thursday, filling the site with tradition and devotion. As the world observes World Heritage Day, the Kakrabad mosque stands as a poignant reminder of the many lesser-known monuments that are unprotected and at risk of vanishing.
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The mosque's deterioration reflects the broader issue of neglect faced by many historical sites in India, which could lead to the loss of cultural heritage.
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