In January of this year, a significant and controversial demolition took place in Ujjain, a historically rich city located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Local authorities bulldozed nearly 250 properties, which included not only homes and shops but also a century-old mosque. This extensive operation aimed to clear approximately 2.1 hectares (5.27 acres) of land that belonged to the Madhya Pradesh Waqf Board.
The term “waqf,” which is derived from Arabic, refers to both movable and immovable properties—such as mosques, schools, graveyards, orphanages, hospitals, and vacant plots—that have been donated by Muslims for religious or charitable purposes. Once designated as waqf, these properties are considered irrevocable; they cannot be sold or repurposed for non-religious uses. This concept is deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, reflecting a commitment to community welfare and spiritual legacy.
Despite these protections, the land in Ujjain was cleared for the ambitious Mahakal Corridor project, a government initiative valued at approximately $1 billion. This project is designed to enhance and expand the area surrounding the revered Mahakaleshwar Temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas in India, drawing significant numbers of pilgrims and tourists.
India is home to over 200 million Muslims and boasts the largest collection of waqf assets worldwide, totaling more than 872,000 properties that cover nearly 405,000 hectares (1 million acres). These assets are estimated to be worth around $14.22 billion.
They are managed by various waqf boards across all Indian states and federally administered territories, tasked with overseeing their proper use and maintenance in accordance with the intent of the original donors. The recent demolitions have raised concerns regarding the safeguarding of these historical and cultural assets, emphasizing the need for a balance between development and preservation in a rapidly modernizing society.
