The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court on February 23 directed all parties involved in the Bhojshala Complex-Kamal Maula mosque dispute to file their objections, suggestions and recommendations on the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey report within two weeks. The division bench comprising Justice Vijay Kumar Shukla and Justice Alok Awasthi fixed the next hearing for March 16.
The case concerns the disputed historical and religious character of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar, which also houses the Kamal Maula Mosque. The site is currently protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
The ASI submitted its survey report to the High Court on July 15, 2024, following the court’s March 11, 2024 order directing a scientific examination of the Bhojshala complex.
The survey work began on March 22, 2024, and continued for 98 days. The exercise involved archaeologists, epigraphists, chemists, conservators, surveyors, photographers and draftsmen who conducted excavation, documentation and structural analysis.
After completion, the ASI compiled a detailed 2,189-page report.
Following submission before the High Court, the matter reached the Supreme Court of India, which ordered that the survey report be kept in a sealed cover.
The Dhar Bhojshala-Kamal Maula case relates to competing claims regarding the religious identity of the Bhojshala complex.
The Hindu side maintains that the site is an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi). The Muslim side asserts claims based on the presence of the 11th-century Kamal Maula mosque within the complex.
The monument has long been a focal point of historical and religious claims from both communities.
According to the ASI report, the present structure incorporates materials from earlier temple constructions and was later modified for use as a mosque.
The investigation discovered inscriptions dating from the 12th to the 20th centuries in Sanskrit, Prakrit, Nagari script, Arabic and Persian. The report states that the site functioned at different times as:
- A religious centre
- A place of learning
- A public space
Several inscriptions refer to literary and religious works including:
- Parijatamanjari Natika
- Avanikarmasatam
- Nagabandha inscriptions
A major inscription mentions the Sanskrit play Parijatamanjari, composed by Madan, guru of Parmar ruler Arjunvarman of Dhar. The text states that the play was first performed in a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati.
Another inscription refers to two Prakrit poems of 109 verses each, believed to have been composed by Maharajadhiraja Bhojdev.
Nagabandha inscriptions discovered in the western pillared hall were described as grammatically and educationally significant, suggesting the site’s association with scholarly traditions during the reign of King Bhoj.
The survey documented approximately 50 inscription fragments from the 13th century along with a broken statue base.
Several reused plaques were found with inscriptions that appeared to have been deliberately erased before reuse in later construction.
The ASI documented 34 engraved names, some dating to the 13th century and many from the 16th century.
Numerous inscriptions from the 11th and 12th centuries were associated with the Parmar period. Several Sanskrit inscriptions included invocations such as, “Shri Saraswatyai Namaha”
These inscriptions praised Goddess Saraswati and referred to teaching traditions. The ASI linked these findings to medieval Hindu temple traditions.
The report also recorded architectural features consistent with Islamic religious structures.
These include:
- Arches
- Mihrab orientation
- Persian inscriptions
The ASI noted that these elements indicated later use of the complex as a mosque or dargah. Some inscriptions referred to Sufi traditions.
A total of 56 Arabic and Persian inscriptions were found within the complex, including 43 ink-written inscriptions.
These texts were recorded:
- Visitor names
- Religious sayings
- Prayers
- Persian poetry
Verses from the Quran were found inscribed on four tombs within the Kamal Maula shrine complex.
Another inscription refers to reconstruction of old mosques in Dhar during the Tughlaq period.
Among the ink inscriptions is a record of the visit of Syed Hussain, identified as a deputy engineer of Gwalior State, in 1905.
The ASI report documents the discovery of more than 1,700 artefacts, including: Sculptures, Structural fragments, Pillars, Walls and Mural remains.
Among the sculptural finds were mythological depictions of Lord Shiva and Vasuki Nag, shown as a seven-hooded serpent.
Decorative features recorded include: Floral motifs, Kirtimukhas, Lotus patterns, Sculpted deities.
Fragments depicting dance postures and mythological symbols were also identified.
The ASI also recorded wall alignments, pillar bases and stone flooring beneath the current structure. The orientation and layout were found to correspond with traditional temple architecture.
Structural features resembling sacrificial pits were also noted at some locations.
According to the report, initial conservation planning for the monument began during the British period in 1902–03.
In 1951, the Bhojshala complex was declared a Monument of National Importance.
The High Court will now consider the objections and recommendations of all parties before proceeding further in the case.
