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Bhojshala Shrine Row: The Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar has been in the news after the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the 11th-century monument belongs to the Hindu side. The High Court's verdict attempted to put an centuries-old dispute between the Hindus and the Muslims as both sides claim over the shrine.

What Has Court Said In Its Ruling?

The court declared that the disputed Bhojshala complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati, adding that the Muslim community may approach the state government for allotment of separate land in the district for the construction of a mosque.

Quiz

According to the article, what did the Madhya Pradesh High Court declare the disputed Bhojshala complex to be?

ALSO READ: Bhojshala Verdict: Disputed Site Declared As Saraswati Temple, Separate Land To Be Allotted To Mosque Committee

What Went In Favour Of Hindu Side?

Several factors, including evidence of the site being a Sanskrit teaching centre, a temple of Goddess Saraswati, associated with Raja Bhoj of the Parmar dynasty, its religious nature and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)'s report, have been the grounds of the court's ruling. In its verdict, the court also observed that there were indications of a Sanskrit teaching centre and a temple of Goddess Saraswati in Bhojshala. The court pointed out that the continuity of Hindu worship at the site has never been extinguished. Recorded findings linked to historical literature establish the disputed area as Bhojshala.

ASI Report Emerged As Key Factor In The Case

The ASI, after conducting a scientific survey of the monument, indicated in its over 2,000-page report that a massive structure dating back to the reign of the Parmar kings of Dhar predated the mosque, and that the current disputed structure was built using repurposed temple components.

ALSO READ: What Is Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque Dispute? How ASI Claims Of Temple Remains Alters Ongoing Debate

Earlier in March 2024, the HC had ordered the ASI to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex. The ASI began the survey on March 22 that year and, after a detailed 98-day survey, submitted its report to the High Court on July 15.

However, the Muslim side has argued in court that the ASI's survey report was "biased" and prepared to support the claims of the Hindu petitioners. Refuting this, the ASI told the court the scientific survey process was carried out with the help of experts, including three from the Muslim community.

What Is The Dispute?

The dispute pertains to the religious nature of the site. Both communities claim that the disputed shrine is their religious site, where they have been offering prayers for centuries. The Hindu community considers Bhojshala to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim side calls the monument Kamal Maula Mosque. A petitioner from the Jain community also claims the disputed complex is a medieval Jain temple and gurukul.

After the controversy over the Bhojshala complex erupted, the ASI issued an order on April 7, 2003, permitting Hindus to worship at the complex every Tuesday and Muslims to offer namaz there every Friday. The Hindu side challenged the order in the High Court, seeking exclusive rights to worship at the complex.

(With PTI Inputs)


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