During the ongoing survey conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, lawyer Sudhir Tripathi, representing the Hindu side, revealed that they have discovered remains of fragmented idols amidst the debris.
The survey, which aimed to ascertain whether the 17th-century masjid was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple structure, has been the subject of attention and debate. The ASI team focused its efforts on the wuzu khana (ablution area) and the prayer space for Muslims. The survey resumed on Saturday, following a brief pause around noon to permit Muslims to pray in the mosque.
During the survey, the ASI team documented the layout and captured images of structures within the Gyanvapi mosque complex. The survey’s primary objective is to provide a comprehensive report on its findings, and the ASI has been directed by the Varanasi court to submit the survey report by September 2.
The Supreme Court declined to issue a stay on the Allahabad High Court’s order regarding the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi mosque. The Muslim side, however, expressed concerns that the survey might “reopen wounds of the past.” The apex court instructed the ASI team not to use any invasive methods during the survey.
Lawyer Subhash Nandan Chaturvedi, representing the Hindu side, stated that the ASI team is conducting the survey in the central dome of the mosque complex, with imaging and mapping underway. The team has also entered the ‘tehkhana’ (basement), which is under the possession of the Vyas family.
The masjid committee initially boycotted the survey but later agreed to cooperate following the Supreme Court’s decision. The Muslim side’s apprehension is that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) might manipulate the ASI report’s narrative and bring other issues like the Babri masjid to the fore.
As the survey progresses, more discoveries may shed light on the historical and religious significance of the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.