From left: Gyanvapi complex, Shivling found inside Gyanvapi complex
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the ‘Shiva Linga’, using modern techniques, to ascertain its age on May 12. The court was hearing a revision plea challenging the Varanasi court’s October 14 order refusing the carbon dating and scientific investigation of the ‘Shiva Linga.’
The ASI submitted its report to the Allahabad High Court, informing the court that the carbon dating of the ‘Shiva Linga’ is not possible and only its upper part, the binder, can be carbon-dated. The ASI informed the court about the methods which can be incorporated to ascertain the age of the ‘Shiva Linga’ which was found inside Gyanvapi premises.
The ASI report submitted that just a small amount (about 10 gm) of the binder will be scratched about for dating the ‘Shiva Linga’, however, it would only tell the age of the binder and embedment of the top portion. However, through this method, it can be inferred that the ‘Shiva Linga’ is older than the binder.
The ASI submitted that while the direct carbon dating of the ‘Shiva Linga’ is not possible, the age can be ascertained with proxy dating of materials surrounding it which can directly correlate with the establishment of the ‘Shiva Linga.’ “For an object of religious significance such as Shiv Lingam or for that matter any other object or symbol made of stone etc, we have to get the dates from the surrounding sediments and items,” the ASI report read.
Background
The matter arose when a ‘Shiva Linga’ was found near the ‘wazu khana’ during the videography survey of the premises. However, the Muslim side said that the structure found was a ‘fountain.’ The Hindu side then submitted an application before the Varanasi court seeking carbon dating and scientific investigation of the ‘Shiva Linga.’ On October 14, the Varanasi court rejected the plea seeking carbon dating and scientific investigation of the ‘Shiva Linga.’
On November 4, the Allahabad High Court heard the plea challenging the Varanasi court’s order. The Hindu side submitted that the Varanasi court’s order is based on priori reasoning that a scientific investigation of the ‘Shiva Linga’ would lead to damage which would violate the Supreme Court’s order. Furthermore, the Hindu side submitted that there is no basis for this apprehension because whether the Carbon Dating, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Excavation would indeed damage can be judged based on the ASI’s opinion.
Thereafter, the Allahabad High Court directed the ASI Director General to submit their opinion on whether the investigation of the ‘Shiva Linga’, if examined through carbon dating, GPR, excavation and other methods adopted to determine its age, nature and other relevant information, is likely to damage it or a safe evaluation about its age can be done.
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