The Archaeological Survey of India on Monday (July 15) said a scientific investigation of the controversial Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Masjid complex suggests that the remains are of a pre-existing temple. It said the pre-existing structure dates back to the Paramara period, which was a hub of literary and educational activities.
In this temple-mosque dispute in tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said its study of the site showed that the mosque wall, or ‘mihrab’, is a “new structure” as it is made of a different material than the entire structure. It further said sculptures of Hindu gods have been found at the site, while Sanskrit inscriptions were damaged and reused for the floor and wall of the mosque.
Here are details from the ASI report:
Sanskrit inscriptions damaged, reused for floor and wall of mosque: A large number of large-sized inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit were damaged and reused. These large slabs of fine quality of stones were reused on the floor or the wall veneer by chiselling written surfaces. A number of inscriptions from the pre-existing structures were noticed and copied for the existing structure.
Pillars of pre-existing temple reused in mosque: A variety of pillars and pilasters of different sizes and designs are reused to construct colonnades of the present structure. For achieving the desired height, two pieces of shafts were put one above the other. The art and architecture suggest that they were originally part of temples. For their reuse in the existing structure, figures of deities and humans carved on them were mutilated.
Sculptures of Ganesha, other Hindu gods found on site: A total of 94 sculptures, sculptural fragments, and architectural members with sculptural depiction were noted in the investigation. They are made of basalt, marble, schist, soft stone, sandstone and limestone. Images carved on these included Ganesha, Brahma with his consorts, Narasimha, Bhairava, other gods and goddesses, human and animal figures. Images of animals in different mediums include lion, elephant, horse, dog, monkey, snake, tortoise, swan and bird. Mythical and composite figures include a variety of kirtimukhas, human face, lion face, composite face, vyala of different shapes among others. As human and animal figures are not permitted at a mosque, such images have been chiselled out or defaced. Such attempts can be seen on pillars and pilasters in western and eastern colonnades; on lintel in the western colonnade; entrance of southeast cell and so on.
Large structure with literary and educational activities existed on site: Retrieved architectural remains, sculptural fragments, large slabs of inscriptions with literary texts, Nagakarnika inscriptions on pillars among other examples, suggest that a large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed on site. Based on scientific investigation and archaeological remains recovered, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period. Based on scientific investigation, survey and archaeological excavation, as well as study and analysis of retrieved finds, architectural remains, sculptures and inscriptions and art, it can be said the existing structure was made from parts of earlier temples.
What is the dispute?
The ASI began its survey on March 22 with a team of a dozen members, accompanied by senior police and district administration officials. The site has a medieval-era monument that Hindus believe is a temple of Hindu deity Vagdevi (Saraswati) while Muslims call it the Kamal Maula masjid. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had observed that the nature and character of the complex need to be “demystified and freed from the shackles of confusion”.
Different right-wing groups in the state have sought the mosque’s closure, a ban on Friday namaz in the complex and the installation of a Saraswati idol since the early 2000s. In April 2003, the ASI had arranged to find a solution by allowing Hindus to worship inside the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims were allowed to offer namaz at the site on Fridays.
But, in May 2022, the Hindu Front for Justice filed a PIL challenging the ASI order, which restricted daily worship at the Bhojshala for Hindus. The plea stated that the former rulers of Dhar had installed a Saraswati idol in the complex in 1034 AD, which was taken to London by the British in 1857.
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