Curated By: Saurabh Verma
Last Updated: January 25, 2024, 22:16 IST
AIMC’s counsel S F A Naqvi said the petition also challenges a Varanasi court direction to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a comprehensive survey of the mosque.(Image: PTI/File)
Jain said pillars were studied systematically, and parts of the pre-existing Temple were reused in the construction of the new structure
A large Hindu temple existed before the construction of Gyanvapi Mosque in Varanasi, said Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side in the case while reading out the report from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) survey.
Jain further claimed that the ASI report suggests that the temple was destroyed to construct the mosque.
“All the objects which were discovered were documented. No damages were caused to the structure. Based on scientific study, there is use of pillars of previous structure in the existing structure. The pre-existing structure was there,” Jain told reporters.
#WATCH | Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, gives details on the Gyanvapi case.He says, “The ASI has said that there existed a large Hindu Temple prior to the construction of the existing structure. This is the conclusive… pic.twitter.com/rwAV0Vi4wj
— ANI (@ANI) January 25, 2024
Jain said pillars were studied systematically, and parts of the pre-existing Temple were reused in the construction of the new structure.
“The central structure of the pre-existing structure is being used as the hall of the existing mosque. The temple had a big central chamber, one centre to north, south and west. But remains to east and others couldn’t be ascertained,” he added.
What is the Gyanvapi Mosque Case? History and Timeline of the Legal Battle Explained
Jain further said that the carvings were destroyed to be reused. “34 inscriptions of the previous structure were used in the existing mosque. This means that the temple was destroyed to make this mosque,” he added.
Based on the court’s order, the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) report on Gyanvapi Mosque was provided to both Hindu and Muslim sides.
Aisha Patel is a dedicated Indian correspondent with a deep understanding of the nation’s diverse affairs. With a background in Indian culture, politics, and current events, she provides in-depth analysis and timely reporting on domestic issues within India.
