The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to begin the scientific investigation of Bhojshala from Friday. The development comes after the order of the Indore bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court. Notably, Bhojshala is an ASI protected 11th Century monument, which Hindus claim is a temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community treats it as Kamal Maula Mosque. Bhojshala is an ASI protected 11th Century monument, which Hindus claim is a temple of Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community treats it as Kamal Maula Mosque.

 

As per the arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises every Tuesday, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays. The Madhya Pradesh High Court had issued notices to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Centre, and the State Government on a petition pertaining to the dispute over the monument of Bhojshala in state’s Dhar district. “In compliance with the order of the High Court, Madhya Pradesh at Indore in Writ Petition No. 10497 of 2022 the Archaeological Survey of India would be conducting archaeological survey/ scientific investigation/ excavation as directed by the court from early morning of 22.3.2024,” the official statement suggested. A look at dispute:

 

As per the arrangement made by the ASI on April 7, 2003, Hindus perform puja in the premises every Tuesday, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays. Last year 2022, a public interest litigation (PIL) was filed by an organisation Hindu Front for Justice, challenging the ASI order of April 7, 2003, imposing restriction on Hindus to worship at Bhojshala daily. Finding the PIL comprehensive, a division bench of justices Vivek Rusia and Amarnath Keshwarwani issued notices to the ASI, Centre and the State Government seeking response on the plea, said Harishankar Jain, the lawyer representing the petitioner. Bhojshala is around 65 km away from Indore. On survey, Dhar SP has said that with the commencement of the survey process, weekly namaz offered by Muslims on Friday will remain intact. All the necessary arrangements have been made to ensure peace and smooth function of weekly practice.