About Us

About

According to the reports published in media claiming that the local authorities gave permission to the temple committee to change the “tarpaulin” coving at the temple under the supervision of the police and ASI. The matter reached the High Court of the united Andhra Pradesh as a local corporator filed a petition against the expansion of the temple.

On 23rd Nov. 2012 the Times of India, Hyderabad published a news item with the title “Temple older than Charminar: Rightist”. In which they quoted a claim by right wing leaders that “A temple existed even before Charminar was built and although the present structure came up later, we are committed to the protection of the temple at any cost and that a temple existed at the site of the Charminar years before the monument came up. 

(https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/temple-older-than-charminar-rightist/articleshow/17331402.cms

At this time, S.Q. Masood, a social activist and resident of Old Hyderabad, approached the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Hyderabad Circle to seek information related to the legal and historical status of the Bhagyalaxmi temple. 

The Dy. Superintendent of Archeologist, ASI, Hyderabad circle in response to the RTI application replied on 03-12-2012 vide letter F.No.RTI/2012-13/HC/2321 stated that the “As per AMASR Act 1958, Rules 1959 AMASR ACt 2010 (Amendment and Validation) the construction of temple adjacent to the south eastern minar of the Charminar has considered by the ASI as an unauthorised construction”

In the midst of the Bhagyalaxmi temple and Charminar controversy, the social media and local newspaper started publishing the stories and sparked debates and discussions across various communities and political circles, as it claimed that the Bhagyalaxmi temple could be older than the iconic monument Charminar. The rumors about a plan by the temple committee to expand the structure, leading to concerns about its potential impact on the communal harmony and historical significance of Charminar and its surroundings. The rumors/reports in social media highlighted the differing viewpoints of various political leaders and individuals.

However, the claims made in the social media and local newspapers were met with skepticism and raised eyebrows from both academic and cultural circles. Scholars and historians questioned the authenticity of the temple’s age, demanding concrete evidence to support such assertions. Meanwhile, We saw an opportunity to delve deeper into the matter, seeking factual information and official records to verify the temple’s historical background. As the issue continued to gain traction and have potential to disturb peace and harmony in the City, the debate faced both praise and criticism for initiating a public discourse on the matter. 

Following the 2014, 2019 and 2024 elections, the Bhagyalaxmi temple remained in the limelight as the BJP used it as a tool to polarize people. The party repeatedly asserted that the temple predated Charminar, thereby attempting to manipulate historical narratives. To counter misinformation and provide accurate information about Charminar and its history. 

In response to the ongoing debate and attempts to manipulate history for political gain, S.Q.Masood decided to take matters into his own hands and further investigated the issues. He filed several RTIs with the Archeological Survey of India, Hyderabad Circle, and successfully obtained crucial communications between the ASI, District Administration, Police Department, and Municipal Corporation regarding the temple. These important documents are essential to keep in the public domain to counter any misinformation and manipulation concerning the historical significance of the Charminar and the legality or history of the Bhagyalaxmi Temple by establishing the online portal, “Charminar Archive,” where all relevant official materials, records, and photographs related to Charminar would be published and made accessible to the public and researchers. This platform would serve as a reliable source of information, setting the records straight and shedding light on the historical facts surrounding Charminar and the Bhagyalaxmi temple.

By doing so, we sought to counter misinformation, present verifiable facts, and preserve the historical integrity of the iconic Charminar monument. The portal’s mission was not only to provide accurate information to the public but also to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the rich heritage of the region. Through this initiative, we hoped to promote unity and dispel any attempts to exploit historical narratives for political gains.

  • S.Q. Masood – Host 
  • Sibghatullah Khan – Co-Host
  • Design – Riasath Asrar