25 Jan 2024 4:33 PM GMT
In a significant development, the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) survey report concerning the Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi has claimed that there existed a large Hindu Temple before the construction of the existing structure (Gyanvapi Mosque).
The report also asserts that the parts of the pre-existing temple including pillars were used in the construction of existing structure structures (Gyanvapi Mosque).
According to the ASI report, 34 inscriptions were discovered during its survey, with a significant number found on the stones of the pre-existing Hindu temple. These stones were subsequently reused in the construction/repair of the current structure.
The report asserts that in the survey, the sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural structures were found buried under dumped soil in one of the cellars.
Speaking to LiveLaw, the lawyer of Rakhi Singh (one of the plaintiffs in the Shringar Gauri Worship suit), Advocate Saurabh Tiwari confirmed that the ASI's report has been made available to all the concerned parties.
It may be noted that the ASI conducted a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex in Varanasi as per the July 21 order of the Varanasi District Judge to determine if the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.
On August 4, 2023 the Supreme Court refused to stop the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) from surveying the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi, except the 'wuzukhana' area where a 'shivling' was claimed to have been found last year.
Taking on record an undertaking made on behalf of the ASI that no excavation would be done at the site and no damage will be caused to the structure, the Court had allowed the survey to take place.
The Court had ordered thus while disposing of a petition filed by Anjuman Intezamia Masjid Committee (which manages the Gyanvapi Mosque at Varanasi) challenging the Allahabad High Court order (of August 3) which permitted the ASI survey.
On July 21, 2023 Varanasi District Judge directed the Director of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a “scientific survey” of the Gyanvapi mosque premises except for the area that was sealed earlier (wuzukhana) to find out if the same has been built over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple. This order was upheld by the Allahabad HC on August 3, 2023.