Archaeologist K.K. Muhammed Finds Akbar’s Ibadat Khana, Chapel & Buddha Relics

New Delhi, August 2025: Famous archaeologist K.K. Muhammed, known for his sharp eye and bold discoveries, has once again made headlines. At a recent lecture in Delhi, he shared how Mughal paintings helped him uncover Akbar’s Ibadat Khana in Fatehpur Sikri, a Christian chapel, and even Buddhist relics that were almost lost to a railway project.

Akbar’s Ibadat Khana Comes Alive Again

For years, historians debated the location of Akbar’s Ibadat Khana, the hall where the Mughal emperor held religious debates with Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Jains, and others.

Muhammed used a Mughal miniature painting as his map. Guided by its details, he led excavations at Fatehpur Sikri and unearthed arches, a platform, and boundary walls that matched the painting. This confirmed the hall’s existence and exact location.

A Lost Christian Chapel Revealed

Another painting from Jehangir’s time showed Akbar praying in a Christian chapel. Using this clue, Muhammed traced a structure that had once been used as a perfume chamber. Excavations revealed three rooms and artifacts like a large kadahi (wok) and a perfume bottle.

These finds strongly suggest that the structure was indeed Akbar’s chapel, a rare example of interfaith respect in Mughal India.

Also Read: Excavation at Pattanamarudur Set to Begin in January 2026

Buddha’s Relics Saved from Destruction

Muhammed also recalled how he saved history in Bihar. A railway project had threatened to destroy a site. In a quick excavation, he discovered part of a casket containing relics of the Buddha.

Although treasure hunters had looted much earlier, the remaining relics were secured, preventing a total loss of priceless history.

Also Read: Top 12 Archaeological Sites to Visit in India

Why This Matters

• Ibadat Khana discovery proves Akbar’s legacy of tolerance.
• Christian chapel shows Mughal openness to other faiths.
• Buddha relics highlight the importance of quick archaeological action.
  

About K.K. Muhammed

• Former ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) official.
• Restored the Bateshwar temples in Madhya Pradesh.
• Introduced the concept of Replica Museums in Delhi.
• Awarded the Padma Shri in 2019.
  

Takeaway

K.K. Muhammed’s discoveries remind us that history is hidden in plain sight, sometimes even inside a painting. From Akbar’s Ibadat Khana to Buddhist relics, his work is rewriting chapters of India’s past and showing why preserving heritage is more important than ever.

FAQs

What is Akbar’s Ibadat Khana?

The Ibadat Khana was a hall built by Emperor Akbar at Fatehpur Sikri where he held interfaith discussions with scholars of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Jainism, and other religions.

How did archaeologist K.K. Muhammed find Akbar’s Ibadat Khana?

He used a Mughal miniature painting as a guide. The details in the artwork matched the excavated remains of arches, platforms, and walls at Fatehpur Sikri.

What did K.K. Muhammed discover about Akbar’s Christian chapel?

Using another Mughal-era painting, he identified a structure once used as a perfume chamber. Excavations revealed artifacts that proved it was Akbar’s chapel for Christian prayers.

What Buddhist relics were discovered by K.K. Muhammed?

During a rescue excavation in Bihar, he found part of a relic casket containing Buddha’s remains, which was nearly destroyed by a railway project.

Why are K.K. Muhammed’s discoveries important?

They confirm historical sites that were previously debated, highlight Akbar’s religious tolerance, and preserve rare Buddhist relics that might have been lost forever.

(Featured Image taken from Facebook)