Mosque authority urges ASI to exclude objects added to temple after 2003

The Kamal Maula Mosque Welfare Society has urged the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that commenced a scientific survey of the Kamal Maula mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Bhojshala to exclude from its survey any objects added to the Bhojshala temple after 2003.

President Abdul Samad, representing the mosque welfare society, highlighted concerns over the inclusion of objects installed post-2003, asserting the need for precision in assessing the historical integrity of the site.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) commenced a survey of the complex following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court on March 11, in response to a petition filed by the Hindu Front for Justice. The petition alleges that the mosque was erected by demolishing Hindu temples during the reign of Alauddin Khilji between the 13th and 14th centuries.

On Saturday, Kamal Maula Mosque Welfare Society President Abdul Samad, one of the key parties in the court, told media persons that he had sent his objections to the Archaeological Survey of India by e-mail.

“Our objection is that the Archaeological Survey of India should not include in the survey the objects put up inside Bhojshala after 2003,” he said.

Samad added that there were three Archaeological Survey of India teams working inside the complex.

“I am the only person from the [mosque welfare] society who is inside during the survey,” he said. “My objection is that the Archaeological Survey of India team should work at one place and not at three places.”

On Sunday, the team from the Archaeological Survey of India continued their survey for the third consecutive day. The team was accompanied by senior police and administrative officials.

The complex, dating back to the 11th century, has been a subject of contention as Hindus believe it to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims regard it as a mosque. A delicate arrangement was brokered by the ASI in 2003, allowing Hindus to conduct prayers on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.

However, tensions have flared with the recent survey proceedings. Samad criticized the ASI's approach, advocating for consolidated efforts rather than dispersing teams across the complex. This sentiment underscores the deep-seated emotions and apprehensions surrounding the site's historical narrative.

The court has mandated a comprehensive report from a five-member expert committee within six weeks. This report is expected to employ advanced scientific methods, including ground penetrating radar and carbon dating, to ascertain the age and origin of the structures within the complex. Such measures aim to provide an objective assessment of the site's historical evolution and resolve the conflicting claims.