ASI report reveals there existed grand Hindu mandir at the Gyanvapi complex ahead of the disputed structure (Image: Organiser)
In a significant revelation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has affirmed the existence of a grand Hindu mandir predating the present structure within the Gyanvapi complex, as disclosed in its comprehensive survey report. Hindu Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain brought this information to light, marking a pivotal development in the ongoing Gyanvapi case.
Following a ruling by the Varanasi court on January 24, both the Hindu and Muslim factions involved in the Gyanvapi case will now have access to the ASI’s survey report, providing insights into the historical and architectural intricacies of the contentious site.
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, shared detailed findings from the ASI report, stating, “During the survey, a multitude of inscriptions were identified on both the existing and preexisting structure.”
The report suggests that modifications to the mosque involved the reuse of pillars and plaster with minor alterations, including the modification of pillars from the original Hindu mandir. Jain emphasised that attempts were made to erase carvings on these pillars.
The ASI survey recorded a total of 34 inscriptions during the present examination, with 32 stamped pages taken. These inscriptions, spanning Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada scripts, were identified as remnants of a pre-existing Hindu mandir, indicating that earlier structures were dismantled and their elements were repurposed in the construction and repair of the existing mosque.
Notably, the inscriptions bear names of deities such as Janardana, Rudra, and Umeshwara.
Jain said, “The ASI has said that the pillars and plasters used in the existing structure were studied systematically and scientifically for the enlargement of the mosque and constructing Sahan. Parts of preexisting mandir, including pillars and plasters, were reused with little modifications.”
Elaborating on the ASI’s findings, Jain stated, “The systematic and scientific study of pillars and plaster used in the existing structure revealed their origin in a pre-existing Hindu mandir. Vyala figures, originally part of the mandir’s pillars, were mutilated, and their spaces adorned with floral designs.”
The court’s order, dating back to July 21 of the previous year, mandated the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi premises to ascertain whether the mosque was built atop a pre-existing Hindu mandir. District Judge AK Vishvesh, in a recent ruling, directed that both parties involved in the case be furnished with copies of the ASI survey report, allowing them to present objections.
Moreover, the Kashi Vishwanath mandir trust, Varanasi District Magistrate, and the state’s home secretary have been permitted access to the ASI survey report. This order stems from a petition filed by Rakhi Singh and others. The sealed report, submitted by the ASI to the district court on December 18, is now poised to play a pivotal role in the ongoing legal proceedings surrounding the Gyanvapi Kashi Vishwanath complex.
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