Hardoi’s Irfan made the impossible happen by constructing an 11-room palace inside the ground by using only a shovel. It sounds unbelievable that his palace has all the essential features from balconies, stairs, prayer rooms and also a well. Irfan’s Astana is receiving appreciation from architectural experts as it is truly an achievement to have made such a huge mansion without using any help.
Hardoi: The hardship of a middle-class family is such that they contemplate the plan of renovating their house for years which includes accumulating enough capital and creating meticulous designs, to utilize the single opportunity to build their dream house. Here’s a story of dedication that sets our hero apart from anyone else. Irfan built a magnificent underground palace on his own by using a single shovel.
Who is Irfan?
Irfan is a resident of Mohalla Kheda Bibijai in Shahabad, Hardoi district. He is also known as Pappu Babu. His previous occupation was that of a tailor. When Irfan’s father passed away in 2010, he felt lost. This loss affected him profoundly and he couldn’t see a way out of his misery.
In search of a new occupation, he ventured into the realm of politics, aspiring to make a difference in his community. Unfortunately, Irfan lost in the elections after receiving lowest number of votes.
Despite the setbacks, Irfan was determined to search for a new way of life. He embarked on a journey that others would not even conceive of normally. His aspirations were unconventional, but they were indeed inspirational. He decided to make a two-story palace on his ancestral land of his village. He wanted to transform a high earthen ground into a beautiful palace.
When Irfan began his project, the villagers were astonished to look at his determination. It became of topic of discussion and fascination. People from nearby villages and cities would gather to witness his progress.
Building the palace since 2011
Irfan shares that after the loss of his father, he found himself disinterested in pursuing any conventional path. He would visit the mosques in hopes of finding peace, but he couldn’t live his life the same way again. It was then that he turned his thoughts towards the idea of building a place to bring harmony and balance in his life as that of a fakir.
After contemplating for a while, he firmed upon the idea of making Astana (a sacred dwelling). In 2011, he embarked on his journey with only a shovel in his hand. Over the years, his dedication and hard work have resulted in the creation of 11 rooms within the palace. Among its features are, a living room, a balcony, a set of stairs, a map of a mosque and a designated place for prayer. He also managed to create raised a platform to hoist the Indian flag.
A well in the palace
Irfan’s mother and sister live in his other house, where his father spent his life. He hasn’t married yet as he intends to devote his entire life in the refinement of the palace. His daily routine revolves around tirelessly working on the construction during the day, and he sleeps within the palace at night.
He has also created a gardening area in the outer part of the palace, adding to its charm. There are two gates in the palace, one for entry and the other for exit. To add to the palace’s magnificence, Irfan has also constructed a well inside the palace. Initially, the well provided clean water but some visitors ruined it by throwing trash and dirt inside it.
Inspiration
Irfan’s efforts are truly marvellous from the architectural and engineering point of view. One needs to create a meticulous plan to build such a palace with these many features, but Irfan made it look like the easiest thing one can do. He leaves all his visitors astonished at how he managed to carve a two-story building with 11 rooms underground, using just a shovel. It’s a testament to human creativity and determination that has captured the hearts and admiration of many.
Read Exclusive COVID-19 Coronavirus News updates, at MyNation.