Strolling along the meandering lanes of Hastsal village in West Delhi’s Uttam Nagar, it is easy to miss a medieval tower that stands between the houses in the densely populated locality. Despite its Grade A heritage status, the minar remains shrouded in mystery, with its origins sparking local legends and scholarly debate.
Discovery and Description
- The minar, constructed in 1634 during the reign of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, stands at a height of 17 meters (five storeys) on a square platform, boasting an octagonal body.
- Although hidden behind a small locked iron gate, it is often overlooked by passersby amidst the closely packed houses of Hastsal.
Local Legends and Historical Accounts
- Prithviraj Chauhan’s Elephant House: Some locals believe the minar was part of a larger structure housing elephants belonging to Prithviraj Chauhan, attributing the village’s name “Hastsal” to this.
- Pandavas’ Connection: Another legend suggests the Pandavas also kept their elephants here.
- Mughal Attribution: Historical sources like Zafar Hasan’s List of Muhammadan and Hindu Monuments attribute the construction to Emperor Shah Jahan, who likely used it as a hunting palace.
Architectural Significance
- The minar’s design, with domed arches and red Lakhori bricks, reflects typical Mughal architecture.
- Its Grade A status, awarded in 2018, recognizes its regional importance and architectural merit.
Speculations and Scholarly Insights
- Chhatri Roof: Scholars suggest the minar might have had a chhatri or canopy-like roof in the past, possibly used as a resting place or for hunting activities.
- Tunnel Connection: Local oral history mentions a tunnel connecting the minar to a nearby hunting palace, hinting at its multifunctional use.
- Elephant Tusks and Trophies: Similar minars were often adorned with elephant tusks or hunting trophies, a tradition possibly inherited from Sassanids of Iran.
Comparative Studies and Odd Uses
- Scholars draw parallels with other minars, such as the Hiran Minar in Fatehpur Sikri, which served as mileposts and hunting towers.
- Comparative studies, like Péter T Nagy’s paper on Budapest’s minar, highlight the Mughals’ unconventional use of such structures for commemorating events like the demise of a pet antelope.
Present-Day Status
- Despite its historical significance, the Hastsal Minar remains relatively unknown even to locals, sparking ongoing debates and investigations into its origins.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers:
- Who is believed to have constructed the Hastsal Minar?
- A) Prithviraj Chauhan
- B) Pandavas
- C) Emperor Shah Jahan
- D) Jahangir
- Answer: C) Emperor Shah Jahan
- What architectural style does the Hastsal Minar reflect?
- A) Gothic
- B) Victorian
- C) Mughal
- D) Baroque
- Answer: C) Mughal
- What does the Grade A status awarded to the Hastsal Minar signify?
- A) National Importance
- B) International Recognition
- C) Regional Importance and Architectural Merit
- D) Historical Preservation
- Answer: C) Regional Importance and Architectural Merit
- What purpose might the chhatri on top of the minar have served?
- A) Religious ceremonies
- B) Resting place and hunting activities
- C) Storage of artifacts
- D) Gardening
- Answer: B) Resting place and hunting activities
- Which historical figure is associated with an odd use of a minar, similar to the Hastsal Minar?
- A) Akbar
- B) Aurangzeb
- C) Jahangir
- D) Babur
- Answer: C) Jahangir