In the heart of Mathura lies the sacred Katra Keshavdev. This site is steeped equally in history and legal turmoil. This piece of land is a symbol of Hindu hope in Uttar Pradesh. It is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. While Bharat’s majority fights for its rights and places of worship, there are many legal lanes to traverse on this issue as well.
Namaskar everyone.
To summarize issue at Mathura.
Entire 13.3 acres of Katra Keshavdeva belonged to temple, confirmed by courts in colonial times.
In 1968, 3 acres of Katra land given to idgah party. Question by whom and under what political? compulsions? That is key issue.— Meenakshi Jain (@IndicMeenakshi) November 27, 2023
Historians state that 3 acres of the Katra Keshavdev land was illegally given to the Shahi Idgah Mosque Committee. Hindus of Bharat want their land back! The land is no longer a piece of prime property, it represents the pride of Sanatana Dharma. The same pride which the pseudo-minority of India repeatedly tramples! Let’s talk about this complex and contentious issue that highlights the lack of respect for Sanatana Dharma and Hindus in the land of their forefathers.Â
Historical Legacy of Katra Keshavdev
The origins of Katra Keshavdev date back to ancient Bharat. As legends state, Lord Krishna was born in the prison cell of King Kansa. Later, around this prison cell, a Mandir complex was built. It is said that Vajranabha, Krishna’s great-grandson, erected the temple complex in the sixth century BC. However, the historical narrative of this holy site takes a significant turn during the Mughal era.
From Aurangzeb to the 1968 Compromise Agreement
- In 1670, the Mughal emperor and zealot Aurangzeb commissioned the construction of the Shahi Idgah mosque on the land belonging to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Temple.
- Then came the Marathas who won back the land from the Mughals and reestablished the temple in its rightful place.Â
- After 1803, Agra and Mathura were part of the British-occupied areas. During these colonial times, the land’s identity as a Mandir Complex was an established fact. In 1815, Raja Patnimal of Banaras bought 13.3 acres of the Katra Keshavdev temple complex.
- In 1921, the courts dismissed the Muslim claims to this land.
- Thereafter in 1944, the land was sold by Raja Patnimal to Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya and others for Rs.13,400. This amount was paid by Jugal Birla.
- In 1951, they established a trust for the management of the Katra Keshavdev Temple and Land.
- Fast forward to 1968, the appeasement policies of the Congress government led to the compromise between the Shahi Eidgah committee and the Shree Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh.
This agreement illegally allocated 3 acres of the temple land to Shahi Eidgah to the committee. However, the validity of this agreement is now under scrutiny.
Legal Battles Unfold
After Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya, the legal battle for the ownership and restoration of the 13.4 acres of Katra Keshav Dev gained momentum. A lawsuit has been filed by Lucknow resident Ranjana Agnihotri and others seeking the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque. The petitioners argue that the mosque was wrongly constructed on Krishna Janmabhoomi.
The dispute has been ongoing due the draconian Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act of 1991. The Act is an anti-Hindu law that indirectly states that Hindus should not claim back their temples and legacy. Somehow, the onus of peace and secularism lies with the Hindus of Bharat! Thus, the religious status of any place of worship should remain as it was on August 15, 1947.
However, recently the Mathura district court ruled that this law does not apply to the Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah case. The court observes that the 1968 compromise predates this piece of legislation. Hopefully, Hindus shall claim what is rightfully theirs!
The Path Ahead
As legal proceedings unfold, the court examines revenue records and legal papers to determine the legality of the 1968 compromise agreement. While the trust asserts its ownership of the land, the Waqf board and its political allies have been crying foul. They are challenging the entire lawsuit that claims that the 1968 compromise was invalid.
The unfolding saga of Katra Keshavdev reflects the deeply entrenched appeasement of Congress and its policies. The 1968 compromise, the Places of Worship Act, and repeated dismissal of the claims made by Hindus highlight how Sanatanis are second-class citizens while they are in the majority.
As the legal battles over Lord Krishna’s janmabhoomi progress, it underscores the challenges that Hindus have to face. Distorted historical narratives, anti-Hindu legislatures, and pro-appeasement governments are the biggest obstacles to any Hindu’s quest for justice. May the pending outcome of this legal case change the norm set by Congress and its system! May this tough journey help Hindus show their commitment to claiming what is rightfully theirs. Therefore, let’s pray that the courts affirm the correct narrative of Katra Keshavdev and its sacred 13.4 acres publicly. Moreover, let Hindus stand victorious in their fight for their right!