Bhojshala-Kamal Mosque Row | 'Existing Structure Built From Temple Remains': ASI Submits Survey Report To MP High Court
Sparsh Upadhyay
15 July 2024 10:27 AM GMT
In a significant development, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has submitted its survey report on the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex before the Madhya Pradesh High Court. The report concludes that the existing structure (Kamal Maula mosque) was constructed using parts from earlier temples.
In its report, the ASI has said that based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigation, the pre-existing structure "can be dated to the Paramara (dynasty) period".
"From art and architecture of decorated pillars and pilasters, it can be said that they were part of earlier temples and were reused while making colonnades of the mosque over the high platform of basalt", states the ASI's report.
In its report, the ASI has found that the existing structure has long colonnades in all four directions decorated with 106 pillars and 82 pilasters.
“Art and architecture of these pillars and pilasters in colonnades suggest that they were originally part of temples. For their reuse in the existing structure, figures of deities and humans carved on them were mutilated,” the report states.
The ASI Survey report further reveals that many human and animal figures, which are not permitted in mosques, have been "chiselled out or defaced."
It states that this alteration is evident on various parts of the structure, including the pillars and pilasters in the western and eastern colonnades, the lintel in the western colonnade, and the entrance of the southeast cell.
The report claims that the current structure contains several inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit, highlighting the site's historical, literary and educational significance. In fact, the ASI team found one inscription that mentions King Naravarman of the Paramara dynasty, who ruled between 1094-1133 AD.
Interestingly, the report highlights that the 'kirtimukha'—decorative motifs featuring human, animal, and composite faces—carved on several pillars in the western colonnade were "not destroyed."
Additionally, the report finds small deity figures carved on the window frames in the north and south walls of the western colonnade, which are also relatively well-preserved.
The ASI's report has unveiled a discovery of 94 sculptures, sculptural fragments, and architectural elements featuring intricate carvings during the investigation of the Bhojshala Complex.
The report finds that these artefacts were crafted from basalt, marble, schist, soft stone, sandstone, and limestone, providing a glimpse into the site's artistic heritage.
“Images carved on these included Ganesh, Brahma with his consorts, Nrasimha, Bhairava, Gods and Goddesses, human and animal figures. Images of animals in different mediums include lion, elephant, horse, dog, monkey, snake, tortoise, swan, and bird. Mythical and composite figures include variety of kirtimukhas human face, lion face, composite face; vyala of different shapes, etc,” the report reveals.
The Bhojshala Complex, located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, has long been a subject of historical and cultural debate. The 11th-century monument, protected by the Archaeological Survey of India, is viewed differently by Hindus and Muslims. While the Hindus consider it a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while Muslims regard it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.
The ASI excavated the complex as per the directions of the High Court (Indore Bench). A division bench passed this order in March this year while hearing an interlocutory application filed in a pending writ petition (filed by Hindu Front for Justice) seeking a scientific survey of the Temple-Mosque premises.
