Gyanvapi mosque dispute: Hindu temple 'existed' at site, pillars reused, says Archaeological survey report

A conclusive finding of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) indicated thata large Hindu temple existed at the site of Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, media reports said quoting advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side. As per the ASI findings, modifications were made to the mosque using pillars and plaster from the Hindu temple, with attempts to erase carvings on the pillars, as per Jain.

"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," a portion of the ASI report said, according to news agency ANI.

"The ASI findings suggest that modifications were made to the mosque, reusing pillars and plaster with minor alterations. Some pillars from the Hindu temple were slightly modified for use in the new structure. Attempts were made to remove the carvings on the pillars," Jain said while pointing to the ASI report.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

Also Read |Lok Sabha Election 2024: BJP launches campaign song, evokes PM Modi's popularity

The dispute revolves around a structure found during a court-mandated survey, with the Hindu side claiming it to be a 'Shivling,' while the Muslim side contends it is a fountain. The Varanasi court had ordered the ASI report to be made public, and lawyers for the Hindu side expressed confidence in their victory.

Also Read |Padma Awards 2024 declared on Indian Republic Day Eve: Full list of awardees

Notably, after a Supreme Court order, the fountain area was sealed in 2022.

Speaking further Jain said, "The ASI has said that based on the 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. A report of a total of 839 pages has been filed by ASI..."

The 839-page length report was filed by ASI.

Providing further details about the survey report, Jain said, "The ASI has said that Sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members were found buried under the dumped soil... Existing architectural remains, decorated mouldings on the walls, a large decorated entrance gate, a small entrance with a mutilated image, and birds and animals carved for decoration in and outside suggest that the western wall are remaining part of a Hindu temple."

"The Arabic Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb. Hence the preexisting structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century... Based on the scientific studies survey carried outstudy 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," he added.

He also said that an intricate study of pillars and plasters in corridors indicated that "Vyala figures carved on either side of the 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 plasters still existing on the north and southern walls of the western chamber in their original place..."

Watch |Gravitas: Where are Ayodhya's treasures being kept?

The ASI conducted a scientific survey in response to a district court order from July 2023 to determine if the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple.

(With inputs from agencies)