Gyanvapi Mosque: Findings of 'Hindu temple' emerge in ASI report
What's the story
The Varanasi district court has opted to provide both litigants with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey report on the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, claimed that the ASI survey affirms the presence of a substantial Hindu temple predating the construction of the current structure at the Gyanvapi mosque complex.
Context
Why does this story matter?
Right-wing Hindu outfits assert that several mosques, including the Gyanvapi mosque, were built by Muslim invaders by demolishing Hindu temples.
After its formation, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) fomented the matter during the 1980s and 1990s, highlighting it as a reclamation project for Hindus.
However, some Hindu priests allegedly rejected those claims by right-wing organizations—especially over the Gyanvapi dispute—blaming them for inciting communal tensions.
ASI survey
Western wall and inscriptions found on pillars
The ASI report indicates that the mosque's western wall is actually part of the Hindu temple, reports said.
The survey, conducted in response to a district court order issued in July 2023, also revealed 32 Hindu temple inscriptions on pillars, written in Devanagari, Kannada, and Telugu scripts.
Advocate Jain also claimed that the ASI report noted attempts to erase symbols on the temple pillars.
ASI report
Key findings in eastern section
In the eastern section, a set of cellars was constructed to extend the available space, accompanied by creating a sizable platform in front of the mosque to accommodate a bigger prayer gathering, the ASI report stated.
The survey also said that pillars from previous temples were repurposed during the construction of cellars in the eastern part of the platform.
Statement
Gyanvapi will be free of illegal encroachment soon: Lawyer Jain
Speaking to ANI, Jain said on Thursday, "As of now, the 'wazu' area is sealed. The area has been cleaned. Its custody is with the Varanasi District Magistrate right now."
"I can say we will be on the verge of victory after the ASI survey report comes in. I am confident that we will be able to see the day when Gyanvapi will be free of this illegal encroachment," he added.
Twitter Post
You can watch Jain's comments here
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, gives details on the Gyanvapi case.
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024
He says, "The ASI has said that during the survey, a number of inscriptions were noticed on the existing and preexisting structure. A total of 34… pic.twitter.com/fdBFeIsQAV
Recent ruling
Allahabad HC rejected pleas challenging temple restoration at Gyanvapi mosque
Last week, the Allahabad High Court rejected petitions challenging a civil suit pursuing the restoration of a temple where Varanasi's Gyanvapi mosque exists.
The court judged that the 1991 civil suit seeking the right to worship there for Hindus and a 2021 Varanasi court order for the mosque's survey aren't barred by the Places of Worship Act.