Bhojshala Complex dispute: ASI survey hints at 'temple' status

Bhopal: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday submitted a comprehensive survey report to the Madhya Pradesh High Court regarding the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula mosque complex, a medieval-era structure in Dhar district embroiled in a long-running dispute. Copies of this report were also sent to the central and state governments. 

The findings in the report reveals several significant details like, the painting of trishul, it was added that a grey trishul painting on the right hand of an idol, measuring about 10cm long and 8cm wide was seen. They also found mutilated structure of Vishnu idol and other temple remains. Images on the previous structure, including those of Brahma, Ganesh, Narasimha, and Bhairava, were chopped off and reused in the present structure, they added. 

The finding also mentioned that thee pillars art and architecture suggest they were part of temples. The existing mosque structure was built on a pre-existing structure and the stone superstructure was modified and converted into a mosque.

Many inscriptions started with "Om Namah Shivay" and numerous Sanskrit transcriptions were found damaged and reused in the existing structure.

The Bhojshala complex is at the center of a religious dispute, with the Hindu community considering it a temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community regards it as the Kamal Maula Mosque. The ASI conducted this "scientific survey" under the direction of the High Court's Indore bench.

Initially, the ASI was required to submit the complete survey report by July 2 but sought additional time. The High Court's order for a scientific survey, issued on March 11, came in response to an application by the "Hindu Front for Justice." The ASI, tasked with protecting the complex, began its survey on March 22 and recently completed the practice.

This dispute over the complex has persisted for years. An order issued by the central government agency on April 7, 2003, allowed Hindus to worship at Bhojshala every Tuesday and Muslims to offer 'namaz' at the site every Friday. This arrangement, in place for 21 years, has been challenged by the Hindu Front for Justice in their petition to the High Court.
(with inputs from agencies)