Gyanvapi Case: Archaeological Report Reveals Hindu Temple Existed Before Mosque

Gyanvapi Case: During a press conference on Thursday, advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, revealed findings from a recent report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The report suggests the presence of a substantial Hindu temple structure within the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, indicating that the temple predates the existing structure.

According to Jain, the report also disclosed the discovery of inscriptions belonging to the ancient Hindu temple. These inscriptions, written in Devanagari, Telugu, Kannada, and various other scripts, were highlighted as significant findings.

Vishnu Shankar Jain said, "The ASI findings suggest that modifications were made to the mosque, reusing pillars and plaster with minor alterations. Some pillars from the Hindu temple were slightly modified for use in the new structure. Attempts were made to remove the carvings on the pillars."

According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report, it has been systematically and scientifically examined that the pillars and plasters utilized in the current structure, focus on their adaptation for the expansion of the mosque and the construction of the Sahan. The study indicates that portions of preexisting temples, including pillars and plasters, were repurposed with minimal alterations.

A detailed analysis of the pillars and plasters in the corridors strongly suggests their original association with a preceding Hindu temple before being incorporated into the current structure. The Vyala figures flanking the lotus medallion were intentionally altered, and subsequent to the removal of stone masses from the corners, these spaces were adorned with floral designs. This observation is corroborated by the presence of two similar plasters that still exist on the north and south walls of the western chamber in their original locations.