This revelation, from the ASI survey has added a new dimension to the ongoing Gyanvapi case.
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In a recent and big development that has reignited historical and religious debates in India, the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) survey report has unearthed evidence of a large Hindu temple predating the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi.
According to the survey report, the pre-existing structure was destroyed in the 17th century during the timr of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. It read,
“The pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure. Based on scientific studies/ survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure,”
Also sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members have been found buried underneath.
Key Findings from the ASI Report: Evidence of Hindu Temple Under Gyanvapi Mosque
Inscriptions and Pillars: A Testament to the Past
The Archaeological Survey of India’s meticulous survey has documented a total of 34 inscriptions, with 32 Estampages taken. These inscriptions, found on the stones of what were once parts of Hindu temples, have been repurposed in the construction or repair of the current structure. The scripts of these inscriptions vary, including Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada. This repurposing of inscribed stones indicates that the original structures were dismantled, and their remnants were incorporated into the existing mosque’s structure. Notably, inscriptions mentioning deities such as Janardhana, Rudra, and Uměśvara have been identified, further substantiating the Hindu origins of the materials used.
Historical Directive for Temple Demolition
A significant discovery during the survey was a stone inscription found in a mosque room, with lines pertaining to the mosque’s construction and expansion deliberately effaced. This finding aligns with historical records from “Maasir-i-Alamgiri,” the biography of Emperor Aurangzeb, which records the emperor’s orders to provincial governors to “demolish the schools and temples of the infidels,” as noted by historian Jadu-Nath Sarkar.
Buried Hindu Deities and Architectural Remnants
The survey also uncovered sculptures of Hindu deities and architectural fragments buried beneath soil in a cellar. These findings, along with existing architectural elements like decorated mouldings, the kama-ratha and prati-ratha of the central chamber, and a grand entrance gate with torana on the eastern wall of the western chamber, point to the remnants of a Hindu temple. Additional features like a smaller entrance with a damaged image on the lalat bimba and carvings of birds and animals for decoration both inside and outside further reinforce the conclusion that the western wall is part of the original Hindu temple structure.
Earlier both Hindu and Muslim sides in the dispute had applied for copies of ASI survey report, on the Gyanvapi mosque adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath complex. The Varanasi court had asked the Archaeological Survey of India to make the report public and provide hard copies to both sides.
This revelation, from the ASI survey has added a new dimension to the ongoing Gyanvapi case, which has been a subject of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities. The claim about the existence of a pre-existing temple under the mosque site is poised to have far-reaching implications on the case and the socio-religious landscape of the region.
The ASI has said that there existed a large Hindu Temple prior to the construction of the existing structure. This is the conclusive finding of the ASI…” said advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain.
While the details of the ASI report were not fully accessible from the second source due to technical issues, the assertion by Advocate Jain highlights a critical aspect of India’s rich and complex history, where layers of religious and cultural heritage often intertwine. The Gyanvapi Mosque, located in Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest living cities, has been at the center of a historical dispute, with both Hindu and Muslim groups laying claims to the site.
The ASI’s involvement in the case and its subsequent findings have brought a scientific and archaeological perspective to a largely faith-based dispute. The revelation of a large Hindu temple’s remnants beneath the mosque could potentially influence the legal proceedings and the court’s decision regarding the rightful ownership and historical significance of the site.
This development in the Gyanvapi case is a reminder of the delicate balance between India’s diverse religious communities and the role of historical evidence in shaping contemporary legal and social narratives. As the case progresses, it is expected to draw significant attention from various quarters, including historians, archaeologists, religious groups, and the general public, all keenly awaiting further revelations and the court’s verdict on this historically and culturally significant site.
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