TAG: GS 1: ANCIENT HISTORY
THE CONTEXT: The Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex, situated in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, has been a subject of contention between Hindus and Muslims due to its historical and religious significance.
EXPLANATION:
- Hindus believe it to be a temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims regard it as Kamal Maula Mosque.
- The Madhya Pradesh High Court issued a directive on March 11, instructing the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a ‘scientific survey’ of the Bhojshala complex within six weeks.
- The ASI initiated the survey on March 22, forming a 15-member team accompanied by local police and district administration officials.
- Despite the sensitive nature of the site, arrangements were made to ensure security during the survey.
- The Muslim community continued their Friday prayers at the site amidst tight security arrangements.
- Additionally, the customary practices of Hindu worship on Tuesdays and Muslim prayers on Fridays were assured to continue undisturbed by the local authorities.
- The ASI utilized modern technologies such as GPS and carbon-dating equipment for the survey, as directed by the High Court.
- These technologies are crucial for scientific assessments of historical sites, aiding in accurate data collection and analysis.
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Petition:
- While the survey was underway, a Special Leave Petition (SLP) was filed by the Muslim community in the Supreme Court challenging the High Court order.
- However, due to scheduling, the SLP was not taken up for an urgent hearing and was listed for April 1.
- There were concerns raised regarding the absence of authorized Muslim representatives during the survey.
- ‘Shahar Qazi’ Waqar Sadiq highlighted historical records and court responses affirming the site’s identity as a mosque.
- He referred to ASI reports from 1902 and 1903, which documented the site as a mosque, and cited previous court proceedings supporting this claim.
Historical Context and Legal Precedents:
- Sadiq pointed out historical documentation and court responses dating back to 1998, which acknowledged the site as Kamal Moula Mosque.
- He referred to a reply filed during Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s tenure as Prime Minister, asserting the mosque’s existence and the mystery surrounding Bhojshala’s identity.
- Despite setbacks in the Supreme Court, legal representatives expressed determination to pursue the matter.
- Lawyer stated that since the Supreme Court did not hear the case, the survey would continue according to the High Court’s directive.
Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex:
- The Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex was originally a temple of goddess Sarasvati built by Parawara King Bhoja in 11th Century AD.
- The mosque is built using structural members of the temple. The monument also retains some slabs inscribed with Sanskrit and Prakrit literary works.
- Noted as a great patron of art and literature, King Bhoja is said to have established a school, now known as Bhojashala.
- The controversy revolves around the original status of the site as a temple.
- The petitioner cites an ASI report claiming that the original Bhojshala and Vagdevi temples were demolished to build a mosque. A survey was requested to determine the actual history of the site.
