The petitioner argues that conducting surveys of these cellars is crucial to confirm the religious significance of the Gyanvapi premises. Hindu party has approached the local court with a plea for an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the mosque’s blocked cellars.
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Uttar Pradesh: A Hindu party has approached the local court with a plea for an Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey of the mosque’s blocked cellars. This move underscores the ongoing contention between Muslim and Hindu communities over the site, which both claim as sacred, albeit for different reasons.
The petitioner, represented by Singh, argues that a thorough examination of the cellars, specifically those labeled N1 to N5 in the northern section and S1 to S3 in the southern part of the mosque, is crucial for establishing the religious character of the Gyanvapi complex. This assertion is based on the premise that the physical evidence within these cellars could potentially clarify the historical claims made by both communities regarding the site.
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Singh highlighted a significant challenge in conducting such a survey: the entrances to cellars N1 and S1 are completely blocked, rendering them inaccessible. This obstruction has previously prevented the ASI from examining these areas, leaving a gap in the understanding of the site’s full historical and religious context.
“Entrance is blocked with bricks and stone and it is pertinent to mention that load of the structure is not lying on the blocked entrance. And there will be no damage to the structure in question if ASI expert will remove it by the expertise they have,”
-the application stated.
To overcome this hurdle, Singh proposed that the ASI employ modern technological solutions to access these blocked cellars without inflicting damage on the mosque’s structure. This approach suggests a way forward that respects the architectural integrity of the Gyanvapi Mosque while seeking to uncover evidence that could contribute to resolving the dispute.
On a related note, the Allahabad High Court had on January 31 sought the response of the mosque committee to a plea filed by a Hindu party seeking an ASI survey of the wuzukhana region within the mosque’s premises.
Notably, the ASI had already conducted a comprehensive scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex excluding the wuzukhana.
The ASI also recently submitted a survey report to the Varanasi district court asserting that an ancient Hindu Temple existed at the site before the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque.
The plea for an ASI survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque’s cellars is a reflection of the broader quest for historical truth and religious reconciliation in India. It highlights the complex interplay between archaeology, law, and religious belief in the country’s ongoing efforts to honor its rich cultural heritage and address the concerns of its diverse religious communities.
As this legal request makes its way through the court system, it will undoubtedly attract attention from historians, religious scholars, and the general public, all keen to see how this latest chapter in the Gyanvapi Mosque saga will unfold. The outcome could have implications not only for the parties directly involved but also for the broader dialogue on religious harmony and historical preservation in India.
This matter is slated to be heard by the High Court again tomorrow (February 6, Tuesday).
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