Introduction:
The Gyanvapi Mosque, nestled near the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi. Has become a focal point of a contentious debate regarding its historical origins. The recent findings from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) have added another layer to this centuries-old debate. Bringing to light a pre-existing Hindu temple that predates the construction of the current mosque. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the ASI report and the broader implications of the ongoing legal and cultural discourse surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque.
Historical Background:
The Gyanvapi Mosque, constructed in the 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb, has long been a symbol of religious coexistence and tension in Varanasi. The mosque stands adjacent to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple, a sacred site for Hindus. The complex history of the region has fueled a complex legal battle, with both Hindu and Muslim communities claiming rights and ownership.
ASI Findings:
The ASI survey report, which has recently come to light, asserts that the mosque was built on the remnants of a substantial Hindu temple. According to advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, who represents the Hindu side in the legal dispute, the ASI findings are conclusive. The report highlights the dismantling of a pre-existing structure in the 17th century, with parts of it being modified and reused in the construction of the Gyanvapi Mosque.
Detailed Examination:
The ASI report provides a meticulous examination of the architectural elements within the mosque complex. It reveals that the western wall of the current mosque is, in fact, the remaining section of a ‘pre-existing Hindu temple.’ The report suggests that during the expansion of the mosque and the creation of the courtyard (‘sahan’), elements of the pre-existing temple, including pillars and pilasters, were repurposed with minor alterations.
In the eastern section of the mosque, a set of cellars was constructed, utilizing pillars from previous temples. Notably, a pillar adorned with bells and featuring an inscription from Samvat 1669 was discovered, underscoring the historical richness buried beneath the layers of time. The report also mentions the unearthing of sculptures depicting Hindu deities and carved architectural elements buried beneath the soil.
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Inscriptions and Cultural Significance:
The ASI recorded a total of 34 inscriptions during the survey, providing a glimpse into the cultural tapestry of the region. These inscriptions, in scripts including Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada, were found on stones from the pre-existing Hindu temples. The reuse of these inscriptions in the construction and repair of the existing mosque indicates a complex history of destruction and reconstruction.
Legal Developments:
The legal battle over the Gyanvapi Mosque has seen significant developments in recent years. The Varanasi district court, under the jurisdiction of District Judge A K Vishvesh. Euled in favor of making the ASI survey report accessible to both Hindu and Muslim parties involved. The Allahabad High Court, in December 2023, ruled that civil suits seeking. Restoration of the temple on the mosque premises are not barred by the Places of Worship Act.
Supreme Court’s Intervention:
The Supreme Court, in January 2022, approved a request from Hindu women petitioners to cleanse the ‘wazukhana’ area within the Gyanvapi Mosque. This decision aim to maintain the space, where an alleg ‘Shivling’ was discover, in a ‘hygienic’ condition. The subsequent sealing of the ‘wazukhana’ area triggered further legal actions, highlighting the intricacies of managing a site with both religious and historical significance.
Public Reaction and Criticism:
The ASI findings and the subsequent legal proceedings have sparked a range of reactions from the public. While some see it as a significant revelation that unveils the layers of history. Others question the motivations and methodologies behind the survey. Asaduddin Owaisi, an MP from the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen, expressed skepticism. Stating that the conclusions of the ASI wouldn’t stand academic scrutiny before professional archaeologists or historians.
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Conclusion:
The Gyanvapi Mosque stands as a testament to the intertwined histories of religious structures in India. The ASI report adds a new chapter to the ongoing saga. Revealing the existence of a pre-existing Hindu temple beneath the layers of the mosque. The legal battles, cultural debates, and public reactions surrounding the Gyanvapi Mosque underscore. The complexities of preserving and understanding historical and religious heritage in a diverse and dynamic society. As the legal proceedings continue. The Gyanvapi Mosque remains a symbol of historical continuity and the challenges of coexistence in one of the oldest cities in the world.
