The Allahabad High Court has approved the Gyanvapi survey, conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), to uncover historical controversies surrounding a mosque in Uttar Pradesh, India. The survey aims to determine if the present-day mosque was built over a pre-existing temple. This decision has raised discussions about past wrongdoings during the Mughal rule and the need to shed light on historical facts.
During the Mughal era, many mosques were built on temples, perhaps with the intention to establish the supremacy of mosques over temples and diminish the influences of Hinduism. The intention behind destroying temples to construct mosques was to eradicate the remnants of Hindu worship. If the Mughals had not harbored this ill intent, mosques could have been built in areas without existing temples. However, the construction of mosques on top of temples did not completely erase the indications of the temples’ existence.
To protect the interests of Muslims and prevent future clashes or claims over mosques built on temples, the Places of Worship Act was enacted in 1991 during the Narasimha Rao government. This act aimed to maintain the status quo and avoid disputes regarding places of worship. However, it may be necessary to repeal the act for any claim over the Gyanvapi mosque to be considered legitimate.
The ASI’s survey will be a non-invasive one, without excavation or damage to the mosque’s structure. It will involve taking photos or videos to determine if any evidence suggests the presence of a temple before the mosque’s construction. If concrete evidence is found, further excavation may be required to retrieve any artifacts that may be buried beneath the structure.
The Supreme Court has cautioned that the survey should not cause harm or disruption to the mosque. It is essential to adhere to this approach, as the intention is to uncover the historical truth rather than damage any religious sentiments.
The masjid committee responsible for managing the Gyanvapi mosque’s affairs has attempted to halt the survey and has approached the Supreme Court. However, if the committee is confident that no wrongdoing occurred in the past, there should be no reason to obstruct the survey. If there are no indications implying that the mosque was built after demolishing or destroying a temple, the status quo will be maintained indefinitely.
This survey holds significant importance, given the sacredness of places like Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura to Hindus. It is crucial for all parties involved to approach the issue with open minds and work toward a resolution. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has urged Muslim communities to contribute to finding a solution, emphasizing that problems should be resolved at their earliest stages to prevent escalation.
In summary, the Allahabad High Court’s approval of the Gyanvapi survey by the ASI signifies an attempt to unravel historical controversies surrounding the mosque. This survey, conducted in a non-invasive manner, aims to determine if a temple existed beneath the mosque. While the Places of Worship Act could complicate any claims, the results of this survey may shed light on the past and potentially prompt further action. It is crucial for all stakeholders to approach this sensitive issue with understanding and respect for one another’s beliefs.
