Archaeological Survey of India Seeks 2-Month Extension for Bhojshala Complex Survey

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has requested an 8-week extension from the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court to complete a comprehensive survey of the Bhojshala complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. The ASI began the survey on March 22, 2024, following a court order issued on March 11, but stated that more time is needed to understand the nature of the exposed parts of the disputed complex's structures without causing damage.

The Bhojshala complex, an 11th-century monument, is considered a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) by Hindus, while Muslims view it as the site of the Kamal Maula Mosque. In May 2022, the Hindu Front for Justice moved the Madhya Pradesh High Court, demanding a scientific survey to determine the character and nature of the contentious premises. The Supreme Court upheld the high court's decision on the survey on April 1, 2024, but prohibited the ASI from conducting any excavation at this protected monument.

In its application to the court, the ASI noted that later additions to the entrance porch are hiding the original features of the structure, and their removal needs to be done carefully to avoid any damage. The agency is using advanced scientific equipment to document the entire monument in detail and has engaged the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) to conduct a ground-penetrating radar survey of the area.

Why this matters: The Bhojshala complex has been a source of dispute between Hindu and Muslim communities, with an agreement established by the ASI in 2003 allowing Hindus to conduct worship ceremonies on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer prayers on Fridays. The outcome of the ASI's survey could have significant implications for the future use and management of this historically significant site.

The High Court has scheduled the next hearing on the Bhojshala dispute case for April 29, 2024, where the ASI's extension request is likely to be considered. "The survey and excavation are progressing, but more time is needed to understand the exposed portions of the structures without causing damage," the ASI stated in its application to the court. The agency is required to produce a report on its findings during the upcoming hearing.

Key Takeaways

• ASI seeks 8-week extension to survey Bhojshala complex in MP, a disputed Hindu-Muslim site.
• Bhojshala is an 11th-century monument claimed as a temple by Hindus and a mosque by Muslims.
• ASI using advanced tools to document the site, NGRI conducting ground-penetrating radar survey.
• Outcome of survey could impact future use and management of the historically significant site.
• Next hearing on April 29, 2024, where ASI's extension request and survey findings will be considered.