Soofia Masjid (Bhopal)

India / Madhya Pradesh / Bhopal / koh-e-fiza
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One of the oldest mosque of Bhopal, built by the Nababs.Stolen in 80s and travelling places, a custom made antique crystal fountain is ready for its second innings. It would soon return to where it originally belonged-- on the lawns of Sufia masjid.
The mosque garden with proto-modern architecture had fountains made by Birmingham-based company F and C Oslers, said Mahira Salamuddin, municipal corporator and daughter of Naseem Salamuddin, a family friend of the Pataudis.She along with Auqaf-e-Shahi (royal waqf trust) a charitable trust controlled by the Pataudis, the erstwhile royal family of Bhopal, have proposed to restore the garden to its original glory.A short distance away from her palatial house, Darul Salam is the Sufia Masjid from where the Oslers made fountain was stolen. The mosque is a property of the Auqaf-e-Shahi."The Oslers fountain was recovered from Gwalior and returned to the family by the police some years ago," said Sharmila Tagore, widow of MAK Pataudi. The made-to-order fountain was among a few owned by the royal family in Bhopal. It has since been lying under lock at the flag staff house, residence of the Pataudi family in Bhopal.
Plans for redecorating the garden and restoration of the fountain are likely to be finalised during Tagore's visit to Bhopal, likely this week. Mahira said provision should be made for 24x7 security
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Coordinates:   23°15'49"N   77°22'22"E

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This article was last modified 11 years ago