BHOPAL, INDIA, July 15, 2024 (Indian Express): The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) Monday submitted its survey report on the disputed Bhojshala temple-cum-Kamal Maula mosque complex in Dhar district to the Madhya Pradesh High Court, stating that the scientific investigation reveals that the “existing structure was made from the parts of earlier temples.” The court had in March last year ordered the ASI to conduct the survey, observing that the nature and character of the structure needs to be “demystified and freed from the shackles of confusion.” Hindus regard the ASI-protected complex as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims consider it the site of the Kamal Maula mosque. Under an arrangement made in 2003, Hindus perform puja at the complex on Tuesdays while Muslims offer namaz on Fridays.

“Based on scientific investigations and archaeological remains recovered during the investigations, this pre-existing structure can be dated to the Paramara period,” the report states. The structure is decorated with 106 pillars and 82 pilasters. “Art and architecture of these pillars and pilasters in colonnades suggest that they were originally part of temples. For their reuse in the existing structure, figures of Deities and humans carved on them were mutilated,” the report states. The ASI studied a total of 94 sculptures, sculptural fragments, and architectural members with sculptural depiction. “Sculptures of four armed Deities were carved on windows, pillars and beams used in the existing structure. Images carved on these included Ganesh, Brahma with his consorts, Narasimha, Bhairava, Gods and Goddesses, human and animal figures. Images of animals in different mediums include lion, elephant, horse, dog, monkey, snake, tortoise, swan, and bird…,” the ASI report states.

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