January 26, 2024 In a groundbreaking revelation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unearthed compelling evidence of a vast Hindu temple structure beneath the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, shared key findings from the ASI survey during a press conference on Thursday.
The ASI’s meticulous study, which involved a comprehensive Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey, has cast light on the historical layers beneath the Gyanvapi mosque. The report suggests that the existing mosque was constructed atop a pre-existing Hindu temple, showcasing a rich historical tapestry of cultural and religious evolution.
Jain highlighted that the ASI findings indicate modifications to the mosque, with pillars and plaster from the Hindu temple being repurposed in the current structure. The report further revealed attempts to erase carvings on these pillars, suggesting a deliberate effort to alter the temple’s original form.
Notably, inscriptions in Devanagari, Telugu, Kannada, and other scripts were discovered during the survey. According to Jain, these inscriptions belong to the ancient Hindu temple and serve as significant historical artifacts. The ASI recorded a total of 34 inscriptions during the survey, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage embedded in the Gyanvapi complex.
“The reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure suggests that the earlier structures were destroyed, and their parts were reused in the construction and repair of the existing structure. Three names of deities, including Janardana, Rudra, and Umeshwara, are found in these inscriptions,” explained the senior advocate, underscoring the deep historical significance of the findings.
The revelations come on the heels of a Varanasi court’s decision to provide the ASI survey report to both Hindu and Muslim parties involved. The scientific survey was initiated last year in response to claims by Hindu petitioners asserting that the 17th-century mosque was constructed atop a pre-existing Hindu temple.
This historical unveiling has ignited discussions surrounding the complex layers of Varanasi’s rich past and the coexistence of different faiths over centuries. The ASI’s meticulous examination of the Gyanvapi complex adds a new chapter to the city’s storied history, underscoring the need for nuanced understanding and appreciation of India’s diverse cultural heritage.
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