Sambhal was a city defined by its lost heritage—ancient temples, pilgrimage sites, and historic wells, some centuries old, hidden beneath layers of alleged illegal construction and neglect, their histories slowly fading into obscurity. But in just 100 days, a city once gripped by fear and violence has witnessed an astonishing transformation. The district administration, working alongside the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has rewritten that narrative, bringing 41 pilgrimage sites and 19 ancient wells back into public memory.
The turning point came on November 24, 2024, when a court-monitored ASI survey of the 16th-century Mughal-era Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid became a flashpoint of violence. The survey, meant to ascertain historical claims over the site, led to deadly clashes that left five dead, several police officers injured, and an entire city plunged into turmoil. Fear spread like wildfire, forcing hundreds to flee their homes and businesses.
A senior police officer, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed the stark reality: “Over 300 to 500 houses are locked, and at least 2,000 people are missing from the city. Not all were involved in the violence, but panic set in when police began door-to-door surveys. Many of these families had been living on encroached land since the 1978 riots. The law had finally caught up.” Yet, amid this turmoil, an unprecedented effort began to reclaim the city’s lost identity.
100 days of transformation: Reclaiming the past
What followed was a sweeping survey of Sambhal’s “encroached and forgotten landmarks,” led by the district administration and ASI. Within three months, what was once thought lost forever was unearthed. Among the most significant rediscoveries was Amarpati Kheda, an ASI-protected site that had been missing for 75 years. The site, believed to house Dadhichi Ashram and 21 samadhis, includes one said to belong to Prithviraj Chauhan’s guru, Amarpati.
Other landmarks brought back to life include:
- The court of Raja Tonk in Saraitareen’s Darbar locality – once a vibrant center of power, now reclaimed from the shadows of modern buildings.
- Tota Maina grave and an ancient Shiva mandir, restored under official protection.
- A 150-year-old stepwell in Chandausi, linked to underground tunnels from the 1857 Rebellion.
- Bhadrakasram, Swargdeep, Chakrapani, and an ancient pilgrimage crematorium temple, part of a 41-temple revival initiative.
- Kartikeshwar Mandir in Khaggu Sarai, reopened after 46 years.
- Radha Krishna Mandir in Saraitareen, reclaimed and restored.
- A massive stepwell uncovered, adding to Sambhal’s architectural heritage.
The revival effort has been seamlessly folded into the Uttar Pradesh government’s broader religious tourism gateway. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, speaking in the assembly, made his stance clear:
“Attempts were made to erase the signs of 68 pilgrimages and 19 wells of Sambhal. It was our government’s duty to find them. Now that we have, we will ensure that they are preserved. We only want what is rightfully ours.”
The administration has integrated these efforts into the Bandhan Scheme, planning to make Sambhal a cornerstone of Uttar Pradesh’s religious tourism corridor spanning the Moradabad division. Sambhal Trinetra Kalki Dev Tirth Samiti, an organisation focused on reviving lost historical sites, has played a crucial role in this initiative.
During the excavation and restoration of Amarpati Kheda, archaeologists made a stunning discovery: ancient coins, earthen pots, and Viragi lamps buried in the soil. The most significant find was coins engraved with images of Bhagwan Ram, Ma Sita, and Bhagwan Laxman, providing further evidence of the site’s deep historical and religious significance. Dr. Rajendra Singh, District Magistrate of Sambhal, expressed his vision: “Sambhal has returned to its old glory. Our mission is to preserve its identity and develop it into a religious and tourist city.”
While the city embarks on a journey of revival, security remains tight. The police crackdown following the November riots has resulted in:
- 79 arrests related to the riots.
- Charges filed in six out of 12 registered cases.
- Construction of a new police outpost opposite Shahi Jama Masjid, named ‘Satyavrat’.
- New police stations planned for Khaggu Sarai, Mian Sarai, and Raisati.
- Increased surveillance, with police patrolling sensitive areas 24/7.
SP Krishna Kumar Bishnoi reassured residents: “After the violence, the atmosphere is now calm. Those responsible are being brought to justice, and law and order have been restored.”
New Identity for Sambhal
Despite the challenges, the city’s revival is unstoppable. Transportation links are being improved, signboards are being installed, and architectural preservation is being balanced with accessibility. Each restored site will have a gate reflecting its identity, with historical facts displayed at the entrance, allowing visitors to connect with its past.
Executive officer Manibhushan Tiwari, overseeing the restoration, stated: “We want visitors to walk into these places and feel the weight of their significance. Sambhal’s role in religious history, particularly its connection to Bhagwan Kalki, will be highlighted.”
Moreover, the effort to establish Sambhal as a permanent district headquarters has gained momentum once again. The government’s high-power committee has initiated fresh inspections, bringing hope for greater administrative stability.
The Allahabad High Court on March 4 heard the plea filed by the Management Committee of the Shahi Jama Masjid, Sambhal, regarding the whitewashing of the Mosque. The Court took on record the objections of the Masjid Committee against the ASI’s February 28 report and granted the ASI time till March 10 to respond. Notably, Advocate Hari Shankar Jain challenged the validity of the 1927 agreement between the Masjid committee and the Government of India, arguing that it ceased to operate after the enactment of the 1958 Ancient Monuments Act. The next hearing is set for March 10.
