In a significant development, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed the existence of a Hindu temple beneath the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi. The report, submitted to both Hindu and Muslim parties following a court order, revealed compelling evidence supporting the claim that the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu structure.
Hindu Mahasabha president Swami Chakrapani Maharaj, reacting to the ASI findings, urged the Muslim side to hand back the rights of the Hindus and set an example of unity. He stated, “I appeal to the Muslim side that they should hand the rights of the Hindus back to them and set an example that if the Mughals did something incorrect, then the present Muslim generation does not support it.”
Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, emphasized the ASI’s conclusions. According to Jain, the report asserts that the current structure was built on a Hindu temple, with carvings of Hindu deities, inscriptions in Telugu and Kannada, and broken idols found. The ASI report suggests that the temple was deliberately destroyed to construct the mosque, and the GPR survey indicates significant structures beneath the sealed area.
ASI’s senior legal consultant, Dr. Subhash C Gupta, highlighted the importance of these reports, stating that they are crucial pieces of evidence submitted after detailed scientific studies. He noted, “It’s very difficult to junk or not rely on such reports which are filed after an extensive study conducted by experts.”
The ASI report revealed that parts of the pre-existing temple, including pillars and pilasters, were reused with minor modifications in the construction of the mosque. The report detailed the reuse of vyala figures and stone masses from the corners, confirming their origin in the Hindu temple.
In response to the ASI findings, the mosque management committee, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid (AIM), questioned the credibility of the report, claiming it was submitted based on the ASI’s “reputation.” AIM stated, “This is a report and not a decision. The study and analysis will take time. Opinions will be taken from experts and will be sent to the courts for consideration.”
The ASI had initiated the scientific survey in August 2023, responding to a court order, to ascertain whether the Gyanvapi Mosque was constructed over a pre-existing Hindu temple. The mosque management committee appealed to Muslims to maintain peace amidst the ongoing developments.
