Bhojshala Complex ASI Survey: An ongoing cultural site reclamation

On Monday, the Supreme Court permitted the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to proceed with the survey of the Bhojshala temple-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh. However, the court stipulated that no actions should be taken based on the survey report without its explicit permission.

Justices Hrishikesh Roy and Prashant Kumar Mishra, comprising the bench, also instructed the ASI to refrain from conducting any excavation on the premises that could alter the structure's character. The 11th-century monument is embroiled in a dispute between Hindus and Muslims, with Hindus believing it to be a temple of Goddess Vagdevi, while the Muslim community considers it the Kamal Maula mosque.

Following a directive from the Madhya Pradesh High Court on March 11, the ASI initiated a "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala complex, which has been ongoing for the past 11 days. Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, informed the bench that he was not seeking a stay, but urged the court to direct the ASI against excavation activities, citing the discovery of human remains near a graveyard adjacent to the structure.

"Issue notice returnable in four weeks. In the interim, no action should be taken without the leave of this court on the outcome of the ordered impugned survey. It is made clear that no physical excavation should be taken which will change the character of the premises in question," the apex court bench said.

Following the High Court's directive on March 11, the petitioner approached the Supreme Court seeking an interim stay, but the Supreme Court declined to grant it.

Bhojshala, a protected monument dating back to the 11th century, holds significance for Hindus, who consider it the temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), and for Muslims, who view it as the Kamal Maulana Mosque. The controversy surrounding Bhojshala has persisted for decades but gained renewed attention in 2022 when a petition was filed in the Indore High Court. The petition called for the installation of the idol of Goddess Saraswati and comprehensive documentation of the premises through photography and videography. Additionally, the petition sought to halt prayers at the site.

On March 11, the High Court directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the premises. The Muslim side sought intervention from the Supreme Court, requesting an immediate halt to the survey. However, the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the High Court's order, stating that it would not issue any orders in the matter at the moment.

History of Bhojshala

The history of the Bhojshala complex traces back to the reign of the Paramara dynasty, thousands of years ago. King Bhoj, ruling from 1000 to 1055 CE, was a devout follower of Goddess Saraswati. In 1034 CE, he established a university known as 'Bhojshala' after himself. However, in 1305 CE, Alauddin Khilji is believed to have destroyed the Bhojshala. Subsequently, in 1401 CE, Dilawar Khan Gauri constructed a mosque in one part of the complex, and in 1514 CE, Mahmud Shah Khilji built another mosque in another part.

Nearly 350 years later, in 1875, excavation at the site unearthed the statue of Goddess Saraswati, which was later taken to London by Major Kincaid and is currently housed in a museum there.

Presently, Hindu organizations argue that the Bhojshala dates back to the era of Raja Bhoj and consider it a temple. They point out historical records suggesting that Muslims were permitted to offer prayers here during the reign of the dynasty. Conversely, the Muslim community claims a long history of offering prayers at the site, referring to it as Bhojshala-Kamal Maulana Mosque.

Current controversy

The longstanding controversy surrounding the Bhojshala has sparked tension between Hindu and Muslim communities over the years, particularly escalating during the observance of Basant Panchami. Notably, Basant Panchami stands as the sole annual festival dedicated to the worship of Ma Saraswati. Hindus have historically been granted access to the Bhojshala for worship from sunrise to sunset on Tuesdays. Additionally, on Fridays, only those offering Namaz are permitted entry from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Throughout the rest of the week, the Bhojshala is open to all visitors from sunrise to sunset, with an entry fee of one rupee.

It's crucial to note the times when both Pooja and Namaz were allowed simultaneously. In 1909, the princely state of Dhar designated the Bhojshala as a protected monument, subsequently transferring ownership to the Archaeological Department. In 1935, prayers were permitted on Fridays, initially restricting access to the premises solely on that day. However, a dispute in 1995 led to the allowance of worship on Tuesdays and prayers on Fridays.

In 1997, two years later, on May 12th, the Collector imposed a ban on public entry to the Bhojshala and suspended Pooja on Tuesdays. Only Namaz on Fridays and worship on Basant Panchami were permitted. However, the ban was lifted merely two months later. Yet, on February 6, 1998, the Archaeological Department reinstated the entry ban and halted Pooja on Tuesdays. Finally, in 2003, all restrictions were lifted, allowing entry for tourists along with worship.