What the ASI report means for the Gyanvapi Mosque case
Jan 29, 2024
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Indian Express’ journalists Asad Rehman and Apurva Vishwanath join the podcast to discuss the recent ASI report on the Gyanvapi Mosque case. They explore the historical context, detailed findings of the report, reactions from the litigants, political implications, arguments from the Ayodhya case, and the Supreme Court's involvement in determining the validity of the case.
The ASI report confirms the existence of a pre-existing Hindu temple at the Gyanvapi mosque site in Varanasi, with the temple's remnants incorporated into the mosque structure.
The ASI report serves as significant evidence for the Hindu side, but its validity and acceptance in court remain uncertain, with potential challenges from the Muslim side and considerations of the Places of Worship Act of 1991.
Deep dives
Hindu Temple Found in ASI Survey Report
According to the recent ASI survey report, it reveals that a Hindu temple existed prior to the construction of the Gyanwapi mosque in Varanasi. The report states that the pre-existing temple was destroyed during the reign of Aurangzeb in the 17th century, and parts of it were incorporated into the mosque. The survey also discovered inscriptions in various scripts, including Dibnagri, Grantha, Telugu, and Kannad, on the stones of the pre-existing temple. Additionally, the report mentions the presence of stone sculptures of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, Nandi, and Hanuman in the mosque complex.
Reactions to the ASI Report
The Muslim side, represented by the Andhra Pradesh Muslim Committee, plans to challenge the ASI report in court. They argue that the report is not the final word on the matter and intend to file objections to it. Meanwhile, the Hindu side is convinced that the report serves as significant evidence supporting their claim that a Hindu temple existed at the site before the construction of the mosque. The report has strengthened their case, but whether it will be considered as evidence in court is yet to be determined.
Legal Implications and Political Impact
The ASI report holds legal significance as it provides expert evidence for the court to consider. However, its validity may be challenged as it will be subject to cross-examination and testimonies in court. As for the political implications, no political party has commented on the report's findings yet. It remains to be seen whether this case will become politically contentious, especially considering the recent inauguration of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The case itself is currently under scrutiny for its maintainability, as it challenges the religious character of the structure, possibly conflicting with the Places of Worship Act of 1991.
Last week, the report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), tasked with conducting a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex, was made public.The report concluded that "there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure" at the site.In this episode, Indian Express’ Asad Rehman and Apurva Vishwanath join us to discuss the revelations of the report and the extent to which it will impact the Gyanvapi Mosque case, along with the disputes that have persisted for decades.
Hosted by Shashank Bhargava Written and Produced by Shashank Bhargava and Niharika Nanda Edited and Mixed by Suresh Pawar
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