Sambhal, an ancient city in western Uttar Pradesh, is undergoing a significant transformation as the state government embarks on a massive project to revive its historical wells and pilgrimage sites. With an estimated budget of ₹10 crore, authorities aim to restore 19 wells and 68 tirthas (pilgrimage sites), integrating them into a Hindu religious circuit akin to those in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
One of the most contentious aspects of this revival effort is the Dharani Varah Koop, a centuries-old well adjacent to the Shahi Jama Masjid. The well has become the focal point of a legal battle between the Uttar Pradesh government and the mosque committee, with the Supreme Court now involved in determining its historical status and rightful ownership.
The district administration has launched an extensive project to restore 14 of the 19 wells, many of which were previously filled with garbage and mud. Among these are Bali Koop, Saptsagar Koop, Krishna Koop, Vishnu Koop, and the Chaturmukh Koop, which has been designated as a ‘model well’ and is nearing completion. The redevelopment includes not only the cleaning and restoration of these wells but also the construction of circumambulation paths (parikrama), beautification projects, and the installation of signboards detailing their religious significance.
According to historical texts such as the Skanda Purana, Sambhal has deep mythological roots, with references to pilgrimage sites and wells that are now being used as a blueprint for this revival. The local administration, citing these texts, has developed a Detailed Project Report (DPR) and allocated ₹1.23 crore for well restoration alone.
Authorities claim this project will not only promote religious tourism but also serve practical purposes like rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge. However, the mosque committee and local Muslim residents view it as an attempt to alter the historical and religious landscape of the city under the guise of heritage conservation.
The legal dispute over the well near Shahi Jama Masjid remains a flashpoint. The mosque committee asserts that the well has historically been part of the mosque complex and should remain so. Meanwhile, the Uttar Pradesh government claims the well is on public land and has no religious affiliation, paving the way for its integration into the Hindu heritage circuit. The case has reached the Supreme Court, with arguments from both sides reflecting broader concerns over religious identity and historical narratives in India.
The transformation of Sambhal should be viewed not only through the lens of politics but also through the ethical responsibility of safeguarding the cultural and religious heritage of all communities. The unfolding situation in Sambhal is a reminder that true heritage conservation must embrace the pluralistic history of India rather than favoring one narrative over another.
