Waqf Board Claims Ownership of Bidar Fort Monuments, Sparking Controversy

The Karnataka Board of Waqfs has declared 17 monuments within the historic Bidar Fort as its property, including the renowned 16-pillar mosque and tombs of Bahmani rulers. This claim, however, has been met with skepticism from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which has been the custodian of the fort for decades. The controversy comes amidst ongoing disputes in Vijayapura district, where farmers allege that their lands have been wrongly marked as Waqf properties. The Waqf Board has withdrawn notices issued to individuals in Vijayapura, citing the need for a fair and legal process. Meanwhile, the Joint Parliamentary Committee on Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 will visit Hubballi and Vijayapura to hear from farmers affected by the Waqf Board’s actions. The controversy has sparked concerns about the potential for land grabbing and the need for a transparent and equitable approach to resolving land disputes.