ASI Survey Report Claims Gyan Vapi Built on Temple

The Archaeological Survey of India’s survey report on the Gyan Vapi complex in Varanasi suggests that the mosque was built on the remains of a pre-existing temple, claimed counsel for the Hindu side Vishnu Shankar Jain. He told the reporters that the copies of the survey report consisting of 839 pages were made available to the parties concerned by the court late Thursday evening.

The survey report further makes it clear that the mosque was built on the remains of a pre-existing temple by demolishing in the past, he said. He also claimed that the survey report has sufficient evidence of the existence of a temple over which the mosque was built.

A total of 11 people, including from both the Hindu and the Muslim sides, earlier in the day applied in the court to get the ASI survey report on the Gyan Vapi complex adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath temple.

It also shows the finding of other objects like coins, a sandstone slab inscribed in Persian, a pestle, and statutes in varying states of damages. The Hindu side claims the photographs and report provide irrefutable evidence that Gyan Vapi mosque was built atop a pre-existing Hindu temple.

However, Akhlaq Ahmed, representing the Anjuman Anjamiya Masjid Committee, has categorically refuted the Hindu side’s claims. He dismissed the report’s findings as mere reiterations of what was discovered during the previous court-mandated proceedings by an Advocate Commission.

“The only difference is that this time ASI has written its measurements. But the Hindu side’s claims are unfolded and lack expert validation,” said Ahmed. He also questioned the expertise of the Hindu side in determining the age of the building materials and pointed out that the ASI report itself does not specify the age of the stones.

Regarding the mention of the Hindu deities in the ASI report’s photographs, Ahmed mentioned that the idols found are not authentic. Following an order of the district court passed on July 21 last year, the ASI carried out a scientific survey of the Gyan Vapi premises to determine whether the mosque was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a Hindu Temple. The ASI has submitted its survey report to the district court in a sealed cover on 18th December.

Team Profile

Palak ChauhanNews Writer

Palak Chauhan is a dedicated professional who holds a bachelor's degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University Mumbai. Her academic journey is complemented by practical experience gained through internships at prestigious media outlets such as CNBC TV 18 and Dissent Times. Palak's educational background and hands-on experience reflect her commitment to the field of journalism, showcasing a blend of theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Latest entries

• English31 January 202410 -Kuki- Zomi – Hmar MLAs Submit Memo to PM Modi Seeking an Alternative Solution to the Manipur Crises
• Business & Economy31 January 2024Budget 2024 Expectations: Deloitte Suggests PLI Scheme Expansion for Job-Intensive Sectors
• Business & Economy31 January 2024Rs 1.2 Lakh Crore Profit! Reliance Industries Shares Recorded Their Best Day in Over 3 Years
• English30 January 2024China’s ‘Break New Ground’ Message to France After Macron Visits India.