Qadam Rasul(Cuttack)- Fusion of Hindu-Muslim Architecture

Qadam Rasul Cuttack After Renovation

Dr.Mazhar Naqvi

Qadam Rasul of Cuttack in the Indian state of Odisha is truly a fusion of Hindu-Muslim architecture. The shrine is spread over half a square mile. On each corner of the boundary walls, there is a small minaret. The mosque has nine small minarets with a big one in the centre bearing the crescent and the star. It has beautiful arches and fine architectural works enhancing its beauty and utility. It is an octagonal building standing on an octagonal plinth with Qadam-e-Rasool (footprint of the Holy Prophet) placed inside a metal basin in the center of the shrine that has one dome. The pinnacle of the dome is adorned like the ‘Shikhara’ (Top) of ‘Odishi’ temple architecture with elements such as ‘kalasa and ‘amalak’. Another distinct feature of the shrine is placement of a small golden dome over its adorned counterpart. The interior roof too is exquisitely painted with flowers and plants of many varieties. It has a marble floor in black and white squares.Legends reveal that the blessed relic was brought by Haji Syed Alimullah from Arabia with the signature of Sheriff of Mecca. He was a close relative of Syed Hashim of Mashed of Persia (Modern Iran).

Initially; the relic was kept under a tree at Kukuriapada village in Sungra Sub-Division of Cuttack district to testify its genuineness. Awareness about the relic increased tremendously when many people miraculously got cured of various diseases and ailments following its presence in Sungra. The relic attracted the attention of the ruler(deputy nazim) of the province and also the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. The emperor conveyed his desire to pay his respects to the sacred relic to the deputy nazim. As Sungra was located in a remote area, deputy nazim Shujauddin Mohammed Khan shifted the relic to Cuttack so as to enable more people to pay their homage to it. Later, it was moved to Rasulpur on the bank of river Mahanadi in 1099 Hijri. Many renowned personalities also lie buried in the graveyard inside the shrine complex. The tomb of eminent Sufi Shaeed Pani also forms part of the complex that also houses several Persian inscriptions.

As Qadam Rasul is the most revered and the largest Islamic structure of Mughal era with influence of local architecture, the state government announced its renovation and doled out a sum of Rs.1.5 Crore in 2013.Being a center of pilgrimage for both Hindus and Muslims, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation initiated the idea of giving a new look to the shrine. The State tourism department also exhibited interest and roped in Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IIDC) in the renovation work. 

Qadam Rasul Cuttack Before Renovation

INTACH took almost two years to complete the task as the main dome was in a bad shape. The domes at the entrance too had lost their character. Walls were also damaged. INTACH kept both local sentiments and historical significance in mind while carrying out repairs to restore the lost glory of the shrine. Its experts used lime plaster in plastering and finishing and did not use any chemical or harmful color. The concerned agencies not only renovated the main shrine but also ensured landscaping, renovation of a water body, boundary walls and the entrance as well. The state government undertook development of the shrine with a view to bringing on tourism map due to its close proximity with famous Barabati fort- a popular destination.

References: 1-Daily Telegraph, August 19, 2013

2-Quotes of Odiya Historian, Mr. Muhammad Yamin   

3-Statement of Cuttack Mayor

4-The Times of India, June 6,2015

Photo Courtesy Google Images