Bhojshala is the latest disputed temple-mosque site to come under ASI lens after Varanasi’s Gyanvapi mosque. (Image: X/@ShobhanaMalaviy)
The ASI findings show that sculptures of Hindu gods were found at the site, while Sanskrit inscriptions were damaged and reused for the floor and wall of the mosque
The Archaeological Survey of India on Monday (July 15) said a scientific investigation of the controversial Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Masjid complex suggests that the remains are of a pre-existing temple. It said the pre-existing structure dates back to the Paramara period, which was a hub of literary and educational activities.
In this temple-mosque dispute in tribal-dominated Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) said its study of the site showed that the mosque wall, or ‘mihrab’, is a “new structure” as it is made of a different material than the entire structure. It further said sculptures of Hindu gods have been found at the site, while Sanskrit inscriptions were damaged and reused for the floor and wall of the mosque.
Here are details from the ASI report:
Sanskrit inscriptions damaged, reused for floor and wall of mosque: A large number of large size inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit were damaged and reused. These large slabs of fine quality of stones were reused in floor or veneering of walls by chiselling written surfaces. A number of inscriptions belonging to pre-existing structures have been noticed and copied from the existing structure.
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