'39 broken idols found at Bhojshala complex in MP during ASI survey'
'39 broken idols found at Bhojshala complex in MP during ASI survey'
MHOW: As many as 1,710 relics, including 39 broken idols, were found during the 98-day high-court-ordered survey carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to establish the 'true nature' of disputed Bhojshala/ Kamal Maula Mosque complex in MP's Dhar district.
The idols include those of Vagdevi (Saraswati), Mahishasur Mardini, Ganesh, Krishna, Mahadev, Brahma and Hanuman, say sources. The Muslim side doubts these findings, wondering "where they came from".
The multi-disciplinary scientific survey concluded on Thursday, and ASI is expected to submit its report on the findings before the court on July 4. Highly placed sources said ASI might seek a second extension to 'dig deeper into the structure and surrounding areas'.
Hindus believe Bhojshala was a temple to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims say it has always been a mosque. The Hindu Front for Justice moved Indore bench of high court, seeking an ASI survey, which was granted in March this year. Representatives from both Hindu and Muslim sides were allowed to accompany ASI experts during the survey every day.
On June 27, the last day of the survey, ASI found at least seven structures during excavation in the northern side of Bhojshala, said HFJ representative Gopal Sharma. "One of them was the broken idol of a goddess, and the rest are broken pieces of a pillar. Only the neck and face of the idol were found," he added.
ASI roped in Geological Survey of India and used ground-penetrating radars to examine the area in and around the Bhojshala complex.
HFJ's Ashish Goyal told TOI, "ASI has declared end of excavation, stating that all the work related to it has been completed and they don't find need for any further excavation." All the relics found so far have been cleaned, numbered and many have been sent for carbon dating.
The Muslim side says court norms were not adhered to during the inspection. Dhar Shahar Qazi Wakar Sadiq said, "Our main objection is that the survey was not conducted as per the guidelines of Supreme Court."
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