Not Idols, ASI Unearthed These In Gyanvapi Mosque Survey

The survey conducted by the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) in Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi found remains of fragmented idols in the debris instead of idols. The top archaeology body also conducted videography and photography of a trident (trishul), swastika, bell, and flower-like symbol engraved on the walls and pillars of the Gyanvapi complex.

Advocate Sudhir Tripathi said that the survey is more focused on the wuzu khana (ablution area) and the place where the Muslims offered prayers.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Saturday resumed its scientific survey at the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi with the objective of determining whether the 17th-century masjid was built on a pre-existing structure of a Hindu temple.

Government counsel Rajesh Mishra, who had accompanied the ASI survey team the previous day, stated that the survey began in the morning and would conclude at 5 pm. The Anjuman Intezamia Masajid Committee's advocates also arrived at the Gyanvapi mosque, despite having earlier boycotted the survey.

On Friday, the Supreme Court declined to stay the Allahabad High Court's order on the ASI survey, an exercise that the Muslim side believes could reopen past wounds. However, the Supreme Court instructed the ASI not to carry out any invasive acts during the survey, ruling out excavations as previously suggested by the Varanasi court.

The Varanasi court asked the ASI to submit the report on the survey by September 2. The government counsel earlier filed an application urging the court to give four weeks' time to ASI for completing the survey and submitting the report.