Top States for Waqf Properties in India: A Comprehensive Overview

India is home to a vast network of Waqf properties. Hyderabad earns the title of the ‘Waqf Capital of India’. The city alone is home to around 77,000 Waqf assets, which represents about 30% of the country’s total Waqf holdings. These assets are collectively valued at over ₹1 lakh crore. They include prominent landmarks such as the historic Mecca Masjid. Many commercial properties near Charminar generate crores annually in revenue.

India’s Richest Waqf Board

The Telangana Waqf Board ranks as the wealthiest in the country. Together, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh manage nearly 1.2 lakh Waqf properties. Some of Andhra Pradesh’s most significant Waqf holdings include the Shahi Masjid in Kurnool. This mosque is over two centuries old. The holdings also include extensive agricultural lands in Kadapa and Anantapur. Telangana’s Waqf Board reports an annual income of ₹500 crore, derived primarily from property leases and donations. In Andhra Pradesh, 85% of Waqf land is rural, contributing to its agricultural output and earnings.

State with the Highest Number of Waqf Properties

Uttar Pradesh leads the nation in terms of quantity, with 1.5 lakh Waqf properties, representing over 20% of the national total. However, despite having the highest number, it falls second in terms of overall valuation. Major Waqf properties in the state include Bada Imambara. In addition, there are various religious and commercial sites spread across Lucknow, Kanpur, Meerut, and Moradabad.

Waqf Property Distribution Across India

• In Karnataka, cities such as Bengaluru, Gulbarga, and Bidar collectively host over 30,000 Waqf properties. However, reports from 2023 suggest that 90% of Bengaluru’s Waqf lands are encroached upon.
• West Bengal is home to valuable historic Waqf sites in Kolkata. Murshidabad also hosts these sites. The region includes commercially significant lands near the Hooghly River.

The top five states with the most Waqf properties are:

1. Uttar Pradesh
2. Telangana
3. Andhra Pradesh
4. Karnataka
5. West Bengal

Cities with High-Value Waqf Assets

• Hyderabad (Telangana): Mecca Masjid complex worth over ₹5,000 crore, with surrounding shops yielding over ₹50 crore annually.
• Delhi: Features Jama Masjid and the Nizamuddin Dargah precincts, with properties estimated at ₹3,000 crore, including hotels and retail spaces.
• Ajmer (Rajasthan): The Ajmer Sharif Dargah receives donations surpassing ₹100 crore annually.
• Mumbai (Maharashtra): Hosts the iconic Haji Ali Dargah, situated on valuable coastal land.

Additional Insights on Waqf Assets

• The Telangana Waqf Board’s total assets exceed ₹1 lakh crore, making it the most affluent in the country.
• In Uttar Pradesh, about 40% of Waqf land is arable, contributing significantly to the board’s income.
• Kerala is often praised for having the most transparent Waqf management system.
• Interestingly, it’s estimated that up to 75% of Waqf properties are undervalued in official records. This means their real worth far exceeds government estimates.