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.
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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 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.
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