In a significant development in the Gyanvapi Masjid case, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, shared revelations from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) survey report. According to Jain, the report points to the existence of a substantial Hindu temple predating the mosque in Varanasi. The survey found that pillars and plasters used in the mosque were originally part of a Hindu temple, with Vyala figures and sculptures of Hindu deities discovered. The western wall of the mosque is identified as part of the pre-existing Hindu temple, showcasing meticulous reuse and modifications.
The ASI report indicates a systematic study of the existing structure, uncovering evidence of a Hindu temple’s presence before the mosque’s construction. The meticulous examination of pillars and plasters, along with the discovery of Vyala figures, reinforces the conclusion that they belonged to an earlier Hindu temple. The western wall, a remnant of this temple, stands as a testament to historical continuity.
Furthermore, Jain highlighted the presence of sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members found buried beneath soil layers. The ASI’s comprehensive study revealed a large decorated entrance gate, a mutilated image, and intricate carvings, reinforcing the assertion that the western wall was once part of a Hindu temple.
The survey also unearthed 32 inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannada scripts, suggesting the reuse of earlier inscriptions in the mosque’s construction. These inscriptions, Jain emphasized, indicate the destruction of earlier structures and the incorporation of their parts in the existing mosque.
This unveiling of the ASI survey findings adds a new dimension to the Gyanvapi Masjid case, raising questions about the historical layers of the site and emphasizing the coexistence of multiple cultural and religious narratives. The court’s decision to provide the ASI report to both the Hindu and Muslim sides marks a crucial step in ensuring transparency and a fair assessment of the historical and archaeological aspects of the Gyanvapi complex.