The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted a comprehensive 2,000-page survey report on the disputed Bhojshala Saraswati Mandir-Kamal Maula mosque complex to the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The report, reveals significant findings that hint at the complex’s origins as a Hindu temple.
The survey, conducted over 98 days, unearthed numerous artefacts, including coins, statues, and architectural fragments spanning various historical periods.
Specifically, 31 coins made of silver, copper, aluminium, and steel were found, dating back to the Indo-Sassanian (10th-11th century), Delhi Sultanate (13th-14th century), Malwa Sultanate (15th-16th century), Mughal (16th-18th century), Dhar State (19th century), and British (19th-20th century) eras.
Additionally, the ASI report details the discovery of 94 architectural artefacts, including intact statues, fragmented parts of statues, and engraved figures on stones. Among these were depictions of deities such as Brahma, Ganesh, Narasimha, and Bhairav, as well as animal and human figures.
The survey also revealed that the columns at the site were adorned with intricate carvings. These included armed deities and various figures of animals and humans. Murals featuring human and animal figures, including lions, were found in different parts of the complex. While some murals were damaged, others remained intact, providing valuable insights into the artistic and cultural history of the site.
Several inscriptions were discovered, shedding light on Bhojshala’s historical significance. Notably, one inscription mentioned King Naravarman of the Paramara dynasty, suggesting that Hindu rulers governed the region before the Muslim rule. The inscriptions and symbols found during the survey further corroborate the site’s rich cultural and historical heritage.
Ashish Goyal, the petitioner representing the Hindu side, stated that the High Court had ordered the ASI to conduct the survey based on their petition. “The survey uncovered over 1,700 artifacts, including more than 39 statues and figures. We will request the court to make the report public during the hearing on July 22, 2024,” Goyal told media.
Around 1,700 relics are said to be found in the survey, including a damaged idol of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati). The Hindus side claims that this proves that Bhojshala was a temple.
Among others, idols of Bhagwan Krishna, Jatadhari Bholenath, Hanuman ji, Shiv ji, Brahma ji, Bhairavnath, Ganesh ji and Maa Parvati are also said to be found.
The Hindu community claims Bhojshala as a temple dedicated to Maa Vagdevi, while the Muslim community regards it as their religious site.
An arrangement has been in force since April 2003, according to which Hindus perform puja at the disputed site on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays.
This dispute led to the survey, which the Indore High Court permitted on March 11. The survey began on March 22, and the Muslim side approached the Supreme Court to halt it on April 1.
However, the survey’s timeline was extended following an ASI application, and the report has now been submitted to the court.
The ASI’s detailed survey report provides a comprehensive view of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex’s historical and cultural significance.
The findings, including the discovery of coins, statues, and inscriptions, suggest that the site has a rich history that predates the current religious structures.
As the legal proceedings continue, the report’s revelations are likely to play a crucial role in determining the site’s future and addressing the longstanding dispute between the Hindu and Muslim communities.
Organiser visited the site in March 2024, readers can access the ground report here.
