📷 Image Credits: The Indian Express
The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) recently submitted its survey report on the Bhojshala temple-cum-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, shedding light on some intriguing findings. The court had ordered the survey back in March last year to clarify the nature and character of the disputed structure. The ASI’s scientific investigation uncovered that the ‘existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples’. The complex, which has been a point of contention between Hindus and Muslims, is considered a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) by Hindus, while Muslims view it as the site of the Kamal Maula mosque. This arrangement dates back to 2003, where Hindus perform puja on Tuesdays and Muslims offer namaz on Fridays at the site.
The ASI report highlighted various aspects regarding the structure’s nature and age, indicating that a pre-existing large structure associated with literary and educational activities existed at the site during the Paramara period. Detailed architectural remains, sculptural fragments, inscriptions, and carvings provided insights into the heritage of the site. The report mentioned the reuse of architectural elements from previous temples in the current structure, including pillars, beams, and windows with images of deities like Ganesh, Brahma, Narasimha, among others. The report also mentioned instances where human and animal figures were chiselled out or defaced, in compliance with the norms of mosques where such depictions are not permitted.
During the survey, ASI experts encountered 94 sculptures and sculptural fragments within the complex. The report highlighted the presence of unique carvings such as kirtimukha with human, animal, and composite faces on several pillars, suggesting their preservation from earlier times. The study also involved Arabic, Persian, Sanskrit, and Prakrit inscriptions, indicating the varying historical occupancies of the site. Ultimately, the ASI concluded that the existing structure at the Bhojshala complex was assembled using architectural elements from earlier temples, providing valuable insights into the heritage and history of the contentious site.
