From being the tomb of an unidentified person dating back to the Tughlaq dynasty to becoming Shiv Bhola temple two months ago, Gumti — a small, domed tomb in Safdarjung Enclave’s Humayunpur village — is facing an identity crisis.
The state-notified monument built on a mound, amid buildings and a park, was painted white and saffron in March, and idols placed inside it.
It is learnt that the work has been done in complete violation of the Citizen Charter of the Department of Archaeology, which states that one “cannot paint, draw or whitewash any wall in and around the monument” and “cannot hamper or spoil the originality of the monument”.
While the Delhi government’s Department of Archaeology could not be reached for a comment, a source called it a “major faux pas”.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Friday ordered an inquiry into the alleged conversion of a tomb into a temple at Safdarjung Enclave’s Humayunpur village, reported PTI.
Sisodia asked the Art, Culture and Language Department secretary to submit a report by Saturday.
“It is the duty of the state archaeology department to ensure the protection of heritage monuments listed under them and take strict action in case of a lapse,” Sisodia said in his order. He added that damaging a heritage property was against the law.
“The reported incident should be handled with zero tolerance by the department as it not only violates heritage related laws but is also an attempt to disturb peace and harmony in the area,” he added. The Delhi government may lodge a first information report too if the allegations are found to be true, according to The Times of India.
In March, The Indian Express reported that the 15th Century tomb, which is a state-notified heritage structure, had been turned into a temple with idols placed inside.
A Kumar, the director (projects) of Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage, said they have visited the site many times in the last seven-eight months. “Locals say its personal property as they’ve revenue records,” he told ANI.
