BHARATA BHARATI

The Archaeological Survey of India was tasked by the Varanasi District Court in July 2023 to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque to ascertain if it was “constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple”. … The ASI in its scientific survey report on the mosque complex has concluded that “there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure” at the site. – Alind Chauhan

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in its scientific survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex has concluded that “there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure” at the site.

The report was submitted to the court last month in a sealed cover. Its copies were given on Thursday (January 26) by the court to Hindu and Muslim litigants in matters related to the dispute over the site.

The ASI was tasked by the Varanasi district court in July 2023 to conduct a scientific survey of the mosque to ascertain if it was “constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple”.

Here are five key takeaways from the ASI report:

1. The pre-existing structure was probably destroyed in the 17th-century, during the reign of Aurangzeb

The report mentions a loose stone with an inscription engraved on it which recorded the construction of the mosque during the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb between the years 1676 and 1677. The inscription also recorded that the mosque was repaired with sahan (courtyard), etc.” in the year 1792-93.

ASI has a photograph of the loose stone which was taken in the year 1965-66. The report also noted that during the recent survey, it was found that “the lines relating to construction of the mosque and its expansion have been scratched out”.

The pre-existing structure was destroyed after Aurangzeb “issued orders to the governors of all provinces to demolish the schools and temples of the infidels”, according to Maasir-i-Alamgiri (1947) by Sir Jadunath Sarkar, the report stated.

It added: “On September 2, 1669; ‘it was reported that, according to the Emperor’s command his officers had demolished the temple of Vishwanath at Kashi’ (Jadunath Sarkar (tr.) 1947 Maasir-i-Alamgiri p. 55)”.

2. Inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts with names of deities found

During the survey, a total of 34 inscriptions were recorded, according to the report. “These are, in fact, inscriptions on the stones of the pre-existing Hindu temples, which have been re-used during the construction/ repair of the existing structure. They include inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts. Reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure, suggest that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in construction/ repair of the existing structure,” it said.

The report added that names of deities like Janardhana (another name of Vishnu), Rudra (name of Shiva), and Umesvara (name of Shiva) were found in the inscriptions. “Terms such as maha-muktimandapa (while mukti means freedom, mandapa means platform) mentioned in three inscriptions are of great significance,” it stated.

3. Parts of the pre-existing temple were reused for the expansion of the mosque and construction of sahan

The survey included an examination of pillars and pilasters (rectangular columns) in the corridor which indicated that they were part of the pre-existing temple.

“For their reuse, in the existing structure, Vyala (Yali a Hindu mythological creature) figures carved on either side of lotus medallion were mutilated and after removing the stone mass from the corners that space was decorated with floral design. This observation is supported by two similar pilasters still existing on the northern and southern wall of the western chamber in their original place,” the report said.

4. The central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure are part of the existing structure

According to the report, the pre-existing temple had one big central chamber and at least one chamber to the north, south, east, and west respectively.

The central chamber now forms the central hall of the existing structure. “This structure with thick and strong walls, along with all architectural components and floral decorations was utilised as the main hall of the mosque. Animal figures carved at the lower ends of decorated arches of the pre-existing structure were mutilated, inner part of the dome is decorated with geometric designs,” the report said.

Meanwhile, the main entrance to the central chamber which was from the west is now blocked by stone masonry, the survey found. The entrance used to be decorated with carvings of animals and birds and an ornamental torana (a gateway that marks the entrance to a Hindu temple).

“This large entrance arched getaway had another smaller entrance. Figure carved on the lalatbimba (crest figure on entrances) of this small entrance has been chopped off. A small part of it is visible as most of it is covered with bricks, stone and mortar which were used to block the entrance,” according to the report.

5. Sculptural remains in cellars indicate that there existed a large Hindu temple

Under the heading ‘Sculptural Remains in Cellars’, the report noted that pillars from the pre-existing temple were reused to make cellars in the eastern part of the platform—cellars and the platform were constructed in front of the mosque to accommodating a large number of people for prayers.

“A pillar decorated with bells, niches for keeping lamps on all four sides, and bearing an inscription of Samvat 1669 (corresponding to 1613 CE, January 1, Friday) is reused in cellar N2,” the report stated.

Moreover, sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members were found under the dumped soil in one of the cellars. – The Indian Express, 26 January 2024

› Alind Chauhan is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express.

Pics of ‘Broken Idols’ Found Inside Gyanvapi Mosque, Muslims Urged to ‘Give up Space and Set an Example’ – Pragati Pal – News18 – Varanasi – Jan. 26, 2024

After an Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) report confirmed the existence of a temple before the construction of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, Hindu Mahasabha president Swami Chakrapani Maharaj appealed to the Muslim side to give the rights of the Hindus back to them and set an example.

“In the Gynavapi case, the ASI has given a decisive report. It is clear that before the current structure, there was a huge Sanatani Temple. I appeal to the Muslim side that they should hand the rights of the Hindus back to them and set an example that if the Mughals did something incorrect, then the present Muslim generation does not support it,” Swami Chakrapani was quoted by ANI as saying.

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represents the Hindu side, said, “According to the ASI report, the present structure was made on a Hindu Temple. The Western wall is around 5000 years old and it belongs to a Hindu Temple. It has carvings of Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Inscriptions are in Telugu and Kannada. … Broken idols are found. An inscription installed by Aurangzeb has been found which clearly states that the structure was built after tearing down a temple. … GPR survey also says that a lot is there underneath the sealed area.”

Jain further claimed that the ASI report suggests that the temple was destroyed to build the mosque.

“All the objects which were discovered were documented. No damages were caused to the structure. Based on scientific study, there is use of pillars of previous structure in the existing structure. The pre-existing structure was there,” Jain told reporters.

“This temple had a big central chamber and at least one chamber to the north, south-east and west respectively. Remains of three chambers to the north, 8. south and west still exist but the remains of the chamber to the east and any further extension of it could not be ascertained physically, as the area is covered under a platform with stone flooring,” the ASI report said.

The report further stated that for the enlargement of the mosque and construction of a sahan, parts of the pre-existing temple including pillars and pilasters were reused with little modifications.

“Minute study of the pillars and pilasters in the corridor suggests that they were originally part of the pre-existing Hindu temple. For their reuse in the existing structure, vyala figures carved on either side of lotus medallion were mutilated and after removing the stone mass from the corners that space was decorated with floral design,” Page 134 of the ASI report read.

Dr Subhash C Gupta, who is a senior legal consultant for ASI in various matter pointed out that these reports are submitted after detailed scientific study and are crucial piece of evidence.

“Though it’s discretion of judge to admit or not admit a report, however, it’s very difficult to junk or not rely on such reports which are filed after an extensive study conducted by experts.” said Gupta. However, the findings of the report clearly shows that there were Parthi Rath, symbols and flowers which are used in Hindu prayers.

Mosque management committee issues statement on ASI report

The mosque management committee, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM) raised questions on the findings by the ASI saying it has given the report as per its “reputation”.

“This is a report and not a decision. The report covers about 839 areas. Its study and analysis will take time. Opinions will be taken from experts and will be sent to the courts for consideration. This mosque was built during 804-42 Hijri by a noble Muktaki of Jaunpur, Hez Gar Muslim. Muslims have been offering Namaz for about 150 years before the reign of Emperor Akbar and will continue to do so in future also, Inshallah. Our responsibility is to keep the mosque occupied,” AIM said in a statement appealing to Muslims to maintain peace.

The ASI had begun working on a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in August 2023 to determine whether the 17th-century mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

Based on the court’s order, the ASI report on Gyanvapi Mosque was provided to both Hindu and Muslim sides. – News18, 26 January 2024

› Pragati Pal is the Chief Subeditor at CNN-News18.

In Gyanvapi survey report, photos show ‘shivling’, broken deity statues – Devika Bhattacharya – India Today – Noida – Jan. 26, 2024

› Devika Bhattacharya is a Senior Subeditor at India Today.

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