The Madhya Pradesh High Court has granted approval for the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a comprehensive survey at the Bhojshala Temple cum Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar. This decision by the Indore bench of the High Court follows a petition filed by the right-wing group Hindu Front. It marks the fourth site slated for excavation and survey, following similar exercises in Ayodhya, Varanasi, and Mathura.
During today”s proceedings, Justices SA Dharmadhikari and Dev Narayan Mishra directed the ASI to carry out the survey, documenting the process with photos and videos. They further mandated that the report be submitted to the court before the next hearing scheduled for April 29.
The ASI has been instructed to employ advanced methods and cutting-edge equipment, such as Ground Penetration Radar System and carbon dating, to accurately determine the age of the structure.
In response to the petitioners” request for the right to daily worship at the site in case of a temple”s existence, the court has specified that the ASI must conduct a thorough scientific investigation, survey, and excavation. This includes employing the latest techniques and modes of GPR-GPS survey across the disputed Bhojshala Temple cum Kamal Maula Mosque complex, extending to the entire 50-meter peripheral ring area from the complex”s boundary.
The ASI is also required to access locked or sealed rooms and halls, cataloging every artifact, idol, deity, or structure present without causing any damage or defacement.
The survey will be conducted under the guidance of an expert committee comprising a minimum of five senior officials from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), led by either the Director General or the Additional Director General. The court has mandated that the report be submitted within six weeks.
The court order emphasies the importance of including representatives from both contesting communities, provided they hold the requisite rank and position, in the expert committee.
The court will consider the petitioner”s claim for restoration of the right to daily worship after receiving the report and will also address the investigation concerning the Waqf of Kamal Maula Masjid.
The site in Dhar, which houses a temple complex dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, has been a source of contention for some time. Currently, worship is permitted only on Vasant Panchami, while namaz is offered at the Kamal Maula Masjid for the rest of the year.
Dhar has witnessed episodes of communal tensions in past. When Basant Panchami coincides with Friday there are long queues of Muslims offering namaz at Bhojshala and Hindus coming to offer prayers.
Historically, the temple complex was part of a renowned college established by King Bhoja (1000-1055 AD), considered the most illustrious ruler of the Paramara dynasty. This college, known as Bhojshala or banquet hall, attracted students from all corners of the country seeking knowledge. However, during Muslim rule, the structure was converted into a mosque, reports said. Today, the image of Goddess Saraswati is at a museum in London.
