Chini ka Roza in Agra cries for attention

Agra, Apr 7: 'Chini ka Roza', a century old monument in Agra, believed to have been built with glazed tiles from Iran, is now in a dilapidated state due to lack of proper care and maintenance.

Built in the 16th century by Allama Afzal Jhan Shukhrullah of Shiraz, Prime Minister of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and a well-known poet, every portion of the monument is adorned with bright colour schemes, known as 'Chini ka Roza'.

He died in Lahore in 1639 and his body was brought to Agra and buried there.

But now the monument, on the bank of river Yamuna, is in a shambles and is crying for urgent restoration work.

When asked as to why the authorities are not doing the required work to preserve this heritage monument, D M Dimri, Superintending Archaeologist said that due to unavailability of tiles in India they are not able to preserve it.

However, historians feel that except for the world heritage Taj Mahal and its surrounding monuments, authorities pay little attention to the preservation of other monuments, one being the 'Chini ka Roza'.

Conservationists allege that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has done nothing to preserve this century old monument.

ANI