Gyanvapi Mosque mystery: Court’s shock decision lights fuse on archaeological investigation

The district court of Varanasi has sanctioned the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to inspect the area around the Gyanvapi mosque, a subject of longstanding legal dispute. However, the survey won’t include the wuzukhana, a section where Muslim worshippers cleanse their hands before prayers. The focal point of contention is the alleged presence of a ‘Shivling’, a symbol sacred to Hindus, within the mosque’s wuzukhana.

Located beside the Kashi Vishwanath temple, the Gyanvapi mosque had been petitioned by a group of women seeking permission to worship daily at the idols on its external walls. Following a videographic examination of the Gyanvapi complex in May 2022, Hindu worshippers claimed a ‘Shivling’ was present within the mosque’s compound. This claim was, however, dismissed by the Muslim community, insisting it was a fountain rather than a ‘Shivling’.

Varanasi court approves archaeological survey of Gyanvapi Mosque amid controversy. Photo courtesy of Oasis.54515/Wikimedia Commons.

The court order stipulates that the ASI carry out a ‘scientific survey’ across the mosque complex, except the disputed wuzukhana. A previous order for an archaeological inspection of the Gyanvapi complex had been issued in April 2021. Subsequently, the Varanasi district administration was ordered by a local court to seal the site within the Gyanvapi Masjid complex where the alleged Shivling was reportedly discovered during a three-day court-ordered videographic survey in May 2022.

The court has requested that the ASI submit a research report by August 4 and perform the survey between 8 am and 12 pm. The ruling also stipulates that the investigation should not disrupt ‘Namaz’ and prevent any harm to the Gyanvapi mosque.

The Hindu community, represented by counsel Vishnu Shankar Jain, welcomed the court’s decision, viewing it as a significant development in the long-standing dispute. He reportedly argued that the survey was necessary to verify whether the mosque was built on barren land or over an existing Hindu temple. He also called for the examination of the construction’s age and nature, including signs of Swastik and shlokas verses visible on many walls.