Shikwa - ‘Qaziyon ki haveli’, Mehrabon Wali Haveli at Katha, Baghpat
Shikwa - ‘Qaziyon ki haveli’,Mehrabon Wali Haveli at Katha,Baghpat the Residence of its owner, Shariq Bin Raza, his wife Alka Raza and son, Sahil Raza . The family of Razas was once the ‘kazi’ of the village or the village judge. His great grandfathers dispensed justice pertaining to regular affairs of villagers. The ‘haveli’ during those days which date back to Mughal era was known as ‘Qaziyon ki haveli’. The presence of the widely respected Qazis (Judges and Justices) of Katha is indicated well before the 13th Century AD. The Royal Decrees (Shahi Firmans) of the Rulers of Delhi and the Delhi Sultanet indicate the award of lands and estates to the Qazis of Katha whose principal and honoured vocation, as the word suggests, was the Dispensation of Justice. During the period of 13th to 18th centuries, a number of noble houses and mansions were built on the elevated mound of Katha by the Qazis. The Headquarters, the principal residence and the flagship of these noble mansions, the oldest and the largest of them all built more than 7 centuries ago, was The Haveli. During the Mughal period, The Haveli and Katha maintained their prominence. The Qazis of Katha continued to occupy the prominent and key positions of “Qazis -Judges and Justices” in the Mughal Empire and The Court was convened in Katha to dispense justice. The region also became a popular hunting ground for the Moghul Kings and Nobility with Katha as one of the favourite “Shikargahs” during the Mughal era. After the Mughal Empire came to an end, like the pre-Mughal periods, the practice of convening of the Court at the Haveli in Katha continued well until early 20th century. The Haveli, during its existence for centuries, has witnessed the dynasties, the empires, the kings and the sultans in their heydays and their down falls; Invaders like The Tamerlane camping and holding his durbar nearby and moving on; has hosted the nobles on hunting expeditions; has been the venue of the courts dispensing justice; has seen grand celebrations and tragedies; the exodus; has felt abandoned, deserted, uncared, doomed and decayed. The Haveli in its present stage has literally risen like phoenix from the ashes or ruins of ‘kaziyon ki haveli’ as it was known in its hey days 700 years ago. It took 13 years and almost all the savings of ex-UN Diplomat Mr Sharik bin Raza and his journalist wife Alka Raza to lovingly restore and renovate the ruins back to its glory. The intriguing name of the house came about in memory of Mr Raza’s mother who would fondly refer young Raza as ‘mera shikwa’. It seems kid Raza had a lot of complaints about small everyday things and he would pester his mother for setting things right as per his wishes. Built of mud bricks, the house gradually succumbed to age over the years till the time the family stopped residing in the structure. The ownership however stayed within the family. It was not until Mr Raza who had been staying all over Europe owing to his work as UN Diplomat decided to return to his roots and restore the inheritance that the house began to feature in the family discussions. Friends and well wishers scoffed at the idea of Razas wanting to stay in Kaatha village away from city facilities and because the Baghpat area was infamous for notorious elements of society. "Shikwa - Heritage Home Stay" has been certified under the GOLD Category by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India. Less than 50 kilometres from Meerut is located on the mound of village Katha on the banks of river Yamuna. The 15 year long painstaking and meticulous process of extensive restoration, reconstruction, renovation, refurbishing and furnishing, completed in 2009, has brought this more than 700 hundred years old structure to its glory of the era gone by. Today, commanding a majestic view of the Yamuna, the fields and the vast plains as far as the eyes can see, the Mehrabon Wali Haveli is adorned with Chajjas, Chhatris, pillars and columns, stone jalis, jharokas, fountains, exquisite doors and hundreds of Mehrabs. The Haveli's six Guest Rooms with modern attached Bathrooms, four Lounges, a Hall and three Special Rooms have been aesthetically, tastefully, elegantly and artistically furnished, preserving the great heritage and ambience of the era gone by with the comforts of now. Shikwa – Mehrabon Wali Haveli with its beautiful and romantic Guest Rooms, Lounges, Halls, Special Rooms, Gardens and Courts, Baradari, Sports Court and the loving and affectionate hospitality of its owner Shariq Bin Raza, his wife Alka and son Sahil, is an ideal place for an experience of the lifestyles of the royals, the nobles and the landlords of yesteryears, for rest and recuperation and the luxury of leisure. FACILITIES & LEISURE: Lounges: The Burma Lounge, The Africa Lounge, The Euro Lounge, TV Lounge, The Forecourt Lounge Special Rooms: The Tea Room, The Music Room (Ghazal Room) Princess room, King’s room, rider’s room Gardens and Courts: The Bagh-e-Bahisht (Garden of Heavens), The Rooftop Terrace Garden with Baradari, Principal courtyard, Inner Courtyard The Gym on the Rooftop Terrace Sports Court Outdoor: Sports Lounge, Badminton, Table Tennis, Golf Putting (under development) Indoor: Pool Table, Cards Table, Poker Set, Carom Board, Darts, Chess, Board Games Travel & Tour Operator (On Request) Pick-up from the Railway Station(s), Airport etc. (On Request with Prior Arrangements) Special/Diet Food for Guests with Dietary Restrictions; Diabetics etc. under the personal supervision and care of the Lady of the House. (On Request) Dining: Indoor Dining; Informal Dining in Burma Lounge, anteroom with Kitchen, Formal Dining in the Dining Hall-The Crystal Room (Depending on the number of Guests) Outdoor Dining; In the Principal Courtyard, Inner Courtyard and Bagh-e-Bahisht (Garden of Heavens) with Fire on Stands/Bonfire (Depending on the weather) Reading Material: Books, Magazines, Newspapers etc. Internet Car Park Facility Bed(s)/Sleeping Arrangement for the Driver(s) Alka Raza Shikwa Haveli NH57 Village, Katha,Baghpat
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