BY: Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar: Around 605 years old historic Budshah tomb situated right at the riverbank of the River Jhelum, close to Zaina Kadal is now in a muddled state as it has not been repaired from the last 35 years.
The tomb is of the mother of the most benevolent Sultan Zain- ul- Abidin who ruled Kashmir in the 15th century. The Budshah Chowk in Srinagar still carries that name.
The historian and a social activist Zareef Ahmed Zareef said” Budshah Tomb is one the important and historic example as well as the identity of Kashmiri culture ”
“If we go through the names of adjoining areas of this tomb, various places are named after the great history of this tomb in which word YAR is used in nearby areas like Khanyar, Kralyar , Naidyar Ganpatyar,” Zareef said. “The tomb was also known as Mazari Salateen”
“Archeologists had repaired it almost 35 years ago but after authorities oversight this historical tomb. If left unattended, it will be ruined because of its poor conditions,” Zareef said.
“The monument is fully visible only when one enters the adjacent graveyard because encroachments have popped up towards the façade in the shape of shops. Authorities must give an alternative to the shopkeepers and protect the monument for future,” he said.
Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums Mohammad Shafi Zahid said the monument is in need of repair, however, it’s under central government.
“Both centre and state administrations are not showing any interest to this historical monument,” Zahid said.
People, however, complained that some miscreants were indulging into immoral activities like boozing and gambling at the graveyard.
“The place has become a safe haven for immoral activities like gambling, drinking and drugs,” they said—(KNO)