Temple politics once again comes to the fore with Sangh Parivar groups claiming that the historic Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra monument and a mosque in Ajmer, Rajasthan, once used to be a temple and a Sanskrit school, vowing to reclaim the place in line with Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath, and Mathura.
A delegation of Jain monks, accompanied by members of Sangh Parivar outfits, who visited the site, claimed to have discovered evidence suggesting the presence of a Sanskrit school and Jain temples at the site, according to The Wire.
Led by Jain monk Sunil Sagar, the delegation's visit to Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra stirred controversy as they alleged the existence of idols of tirthankaras and Hindu deities within the compound.
Their inspection was hindered by the absence of keys to certain rooms, yet Sagar asserted that the presence of such artifacts hinted at a rich cultural history predating the Mughal era, suggesting the need for further excavation to uncover potential buried idols.
The Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, presently under the purview of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), has long been a subject of historical debate. While ASI documentation describes it as a mosque built by Qutub-ud-Din-Aibak in the late 12th century, it also acknowledges the presence of architectural remnants and sculptures suggesting a Hindu temple's existence in the vicinity during the 11th-12th centuries.
Accompanied by local residents and Sangh Parivar members, including Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) leaders, the Jain monks' visit prompted discussions about the monument's historical significance and its potential for redevelopment.
Advocate Shashi Prakash Indoria, representing VHP, highlighted the alleged presence of the Kanthabharan Sanskrit school at the site, advocating for its restoration and the reestablishment of temples, The Wire report said.
Tensions arose during the visit when objections were raised by some members of the Muslim community, citing ongoing prayers at the site. Despite assurances from the visiting delegation that they had no intention of disrupting religious activities, disagreements ensued regarding the covering of bodies, ultimately leading to a compromise facilitated by local Muslims.
In response to the visit, BJP leaders in Ajmer, including Deputy Mayor Neeraj Jain, echoed calls for the monument's redevelopment, drawing parallels with recent initiatives in other historical sites across India. They emphasized the need for the restoration of the alleged Sanskrit school and temples, along with the removal of illegal encroachments.
As stakeholders deliberate on the future of Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra, questions remain about the appropriate balance between historical preservation, religious harmony, and communal sentiments.