Concrete jungle has obscured the view of the historical structure. Multiple lairs of moss have concealed its splendour. Still it is difficult to stay away from the chronicled facts of Moti Mahal.
This splendid structure stands in the heart of Daraganj and it has lost itself in the maze of mushrooming colonies. A visit to the place is the only way to acknowledge its significance.
This palace belonged to Raja Todarmal, one of the navaratnas of Mughal emperor Akbar. As stated by Arun Kumar Agrawal, the person staying in one part of this huge building, "We are the 17th generation descendants of Raja Todarmal and this palace is more than 410 years old. Raja Todarmal was based at Pratishthanpuri (Jhusi) earlier. Akbar on his first visit to the place had demanded 'nazrana' but Raja Todarmal was short of the required amount. Thus emperor Akbar gave him the task of devising the method of measuring the land."
Raja Todarmal fixed 'one lattha' or 7 feet 10.5 inches as the base of measurement. He further fixed the units of 'beegha' and 'biswa' which is applicable even to this day. He also solved the problem of revenue collection from farmers which he fixed as 1/6th part of the entire yield.
{{/usCountry}}Raja Todarmal fixed 'one lattha' or 7 feet 10.5 inches as the base of measurement. He further fixed the units of 'beegha' and 'biswa' which is applicable even to this day. He also solved the problem of revenue collection from farmers which he fixed as 1/6th part of the entire yield.
{{/usCountry}}"Pleased by the wise steps of Todarmal, Akbar gave him the responsibility of constructing the fort of Fatehpur Sikri which he did with equal expertise.
Todarmal was thereafter entrusted the task of constructing the fort at Lahore which he did in 1583 AD. Third fort for emperor Akbar was built at Allahabad.
Todarmal gave a new shape to the damaged fort built by Ashoka thereby encompassing the Akshayvat with it. Afterwards, Todarmal built this Moti Mahal in the year 1590 AD approximately," said Agrawal.
Few of us know that Todarmal was also responsible for internal security of Akbar. "Once the Nizam of Hyderabad captured the temple of Tirupati Balaji. The priests approached Raja Todarmal who provided them security. One could still see the brass statues of Raja Todarmal, his mother and his wife at the temple.
On June 12, 1857 the troops of East India Company led by Colonel Neil attacked Moti Mahal and captured it. After many years of exile from their own abode, the descendants of Raja Todarmal settled in Moti Mahal after 1950," said Agrawal.
The magnificence of this palace could be described as such that it has six doors leading to the main building. There is Diwan-e-khas, Diwan-e-aam, a stable, the dormitory on the second floor for the troops to stay, a residential building, kitchen and a temple. However, the entire structure has been damaged to a considerable degree. It has been built with lakhauri bricks. "These bricks were used during Mughal period. Moti Mahal showcases Mughal architecture and at present it is the residence of the descendants of Raja Todarmal," said Dr Prabhakar Pandey, keeper education, Allahabad Museum.
Amit Mishra, one of the INTACH members doing research on lost heritage of the city said that it is vital to conserve the place else it will deteriorate further due to weather onslaught.
Arun Kumar Agrawal retains to this day the written document in Urdu which describes the family tree of Raja Todarmal.
In the year 1911, the building was used for Daraganj High School. However the the school was shifted from there in 1933.
The district administration should take urgent steps to preserve this monument of historical significance, feel the residents of the area.