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Synopsis

In a significant development that could potentially redefine Gyanvapi's history, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has unveiled its report confirming the existence of a Hindu temple beneath the current structure of the mosque.

Pursuant to the Varanasi District Judge's order, the ASI provided its survey report on the Gyanvapi complex to both Hindu plaintiffs and Muslim respondents involved in the Shringar Gauri case.

The ASI, relying on scientific studies and meticulous surveys, asserts that a Hindu temple predates the current construction. 

"Based on scientific studies/survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artifacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure," the report states. 

Various parts of the complex were studied and ASI reached to the following conclusions:

Central Chamber and Main Entrance:

The Hindu temple had a big central chamber and at least one chamber to the north, south east and west respectively. Remains of three chambers to the north, south and west still exist. Central chamber of the pre-existing structure forms the central hall of the existing structure. This structure with thick and strong walls, along with all architectural components and floral decorations was utilised as the main hall of the mosque. Animal figures carved at the lower ends of decorated arches of the pre-existing structure were mutilated, and inner part of dome is decorated with geometric designs. 

"The western wall of the existing structure is the remaining part of a pre-existing Hindu temple".

Pillars and Pilasters:

For the enlargement of the mosque and constructing sahan, parts of the pre-existing temple including pillars and pilasters were reused with little modifications. Minute study of the pillars and pilasters in comdor suggest that they were originally part of the pre-existing Hindu temple. For their reuse in the existing structure, vyala figures carved on either side of lotus medallion were mutilated and after removing the stone mass from the corners that space was decorated with floral design.

Inscriptions:

During the survey, a total of 34 inscriptions were recorded and 32 estampages were taken. These are, in fact, inscriptions on the stones of the pre-existing Hindu temples, which have been re-used during the construction/ repair of the existing structure. They include Inscriptions in Devanagari, Grantha, Telugu and Kannada scripts. Reuse of earlier inscriptions in the structure, suggest that the earlier structures were destroyed and their parts were reused in construction/repair of the existing structure. Three names of deities such as Janardhana, Rudra, and Uměśvara are found in these inscriptions.

“ Terms such as Mahā-muktimandapa mentioned in three inscriptions is of great significance.”

Inscription on Loose Stone:

ASI had in its custody record of an inscription engraved on a loose stone which recorded construction of the mosque in the 20th regnal year of Hadrat Alamgir i.e., Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb corresponding to A.H. 1087 (1676-77 CE). During the recent survey, this stone with Inscription was room in the mosque. However, the lines relating to construction of the mosque and its expansion have been scratched out. 

Sculptural Remains in Cellars:

Pillars from earlier temples were reused while making cellars in eastern part of the platform. A pillar decorated with bells, niches for keeping lamps on all four sides, and bearing an inscription of Samvat 1669 (corresponding to 1613 СЕ, January 1, Friday) is reused in cellar N2..

"Sculptures of Hindu deities and carved architectural members were found buried under the dumped soil in cellar S2."

Conclusion:

Existing architectural remains etc, suggest that the western wall is remaining part of a Hindu temple. Based on art and architecture, this pre-existing structure can be identified as a Hindu temple.

The Arabic-Persian inscription found inside a room mentions that the mosque was built in the 20th regnal year of Aurangzeb (1676-77 CE). Hence, the pre-existing structure appears to have been destroyed in the 17th century, during the reign of Aurangzeb, and part of it was modified and reused in the existing structure.

Background of the matter

Before the Varanasi local court, the Ancient Idol of Swayambhu Lord Vishweshwar and 5 others filed a suit in 1991 seeking removal of the Gyanvapi Mosque and restoration of the land to Hindus.

On April 8, 2021, Civil Judge Senior Division, Varanasi Civil Court allowed the Archeological Survey of India (ASI)  to conduct a comprehensive physical survey of the Gyanvapi mosque adjacent to Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Against this order, Anjuman Intezamiya Masajid Varanasi knocked on the high court's doors, which stayed the proceedings before the lower court including the ASI survey of Gyanvapi. 

The stay on the survey was extended from time to time by the high court.

A total of five petitions were being heard together by the high court pertaining to the dispute. 

Meanwhile, in another related matter, 5 Hindu worshippers filed a suit before the local court seeking right to worship Hindu deities already existing inside the Gyanvapi complex. 

In the matter, a Varanasi Local Court, on July 21, 2023 ordered an ASI survey of the entire Gyanvapi complex except for the Wazukhana area which is currently sealed in pursuance of the Top Court's order. The local court directed the ASI to conduct the survey without damaging any existing structure.

The survey was to be done to determine whether there was any Hindu temple in the past at the disputed site upon which the Gyanvapi mosque was built as a superstructure. 

Against the local court's order, the mosque management committee moved the Supreme Court, which stayed the ASI survey till July 26, 5:00 pm. This gave some breathing time to the mosque side to file an appeal/revision against the local court's order before the high court.

Finally, on August 3, 2023, the high court bench of Chief Justice Pritinker Diwaker gave a green signal to the ASI survey of the Gyanvapi premises.