In a surprising turn of events, a farmer in Tamil Nadu discovered that his 1.2-acre land, intended to be sold for his daughter’s wedding, was actually classified as Waqf property. This marks a broader trend in India, where Waqf lands have grown substantially since the 12th century. Currently, Waqf Boards oversee 9.4 lakh acres across the country, spanning 3,804 square kilometers.

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• A farmer in Tamil Nadu’s Trichirappalli district found his 1.2-acre plot classified as Waqf property when attempting to sell it.
• The entire village of Thiruchenthurai, including its historic Sundareswarar Temple, is now listed as Waqf land.
• Waqf properties, which total 9.4 lakh acres in India, began with the gift of two villages by Afghan invader Muhammad Ghori in 1185.
• Waqf is a form of Islamic charity, where land is dedicated to religious or charitable purposes, and ownership is considered irrevocable.
• The practice of Waqf expanded under the Delhi Sultanate, with rulers like Iltutmish and Muhammad bin Tughlaq creating and managing Waqf properties for public welfare.
• Under Mughal rule, Waqf properties flourished further, with significant endowments like Akbar’s Farangi Mahal and Shah Jahan’s Taj Mahal.
• Today, Waqf Boards manage more than 8.7 lakh properties across India, contributing to the system’s growing influence in land management.
• The Waqf Amendment Bill, aimed at reforming the management of Waqf properties, is currently under discussion in Parliament, with a potential introduction in the 2025 Budget Session.
• Critics argue that the Waqf system, with its vast landholdings, needs reform to prevent mismanagement and improve transparency.
• The Waqf system, with its origins in Ghori’s conquests, has grown into one of the largest landholding entities in India, rivaling the Indian Railways and defense forces in terms of size.