A Gyanvapi mosque survey is underway but will it help resolve the issue?

In recent times, the Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi has become the focal point of a contentious and potentially explosive controversy. The mosque, located near the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple, has long been a site of religious and historical significance for both Hindus and Muslims. An Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) survey on the court order of the campus barring prayer places is underway (halted for two days, though). A similar survey was held because a petition was filed by five women who in another plea had earlier sought permission to pray at the “Shringar Gauri Sthal” inside the shrine complex. A structure — claimed to be a “Shivling” by the Hindu side and a “fountain” by the Muslim side — was also found on May 16 last year during a court-mandated survey of the mosque located next to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. On Friday, the Varanasi district court ordered an extensive survey of the Gyanvapi Masjid by the ASI to ascertain whether the mosque was built over a pre-existing Hindu temple, holding that the scientific investigation is “necessary” for the “true facts” to come out. The court, however, ordered excluding the section which has remained sealed since the Supreme Court order in May 2022. The area under the seal is where Hindus insist a Shivling has been found, while Muslims claim it is part of a fountain. While the Hindu side is excited, the Muslim side is boycotting it. The mosque itself dates back to the 17th century when it was constructed by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb after he reportedly ordered the destruction of the original Kashi Vishwanath temple. As ASI is a professional agency, its findings should be respected by all though in such matters such scientific findings have little relevance as we have seen in the case of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Beliefs take precedence over facts. And this is true for both sides. So even if the survey result does support either side, it would not be conclusive and certainly not end the controversy. The Gyanvapi mosque controversy has a long and complex history. For decades, Hindu groups have contended that the mosque's construction desecrated a holy site of Hindu worship. They have demanded that the mosque be demolished, and the original temple be rebuilt. Conversely, Muslim side argue that the mosque's existence is based on historical facts and that it should be preserved as a place of religious significance to them. Such disputes have been a source of communal tensions, leading to violence and deepening the divide between Hindu and Muslim communities. Unverified claims and biased narratives can inflame emotions, intensifying the already charged atmosphere. All stakeholders need to approach this issue with sensitivity, understanding and a willingness to find a peaceful resolution that respects the sentiments of both communities. Digging the past only returns skeletons and correcting history is fraught with inherent dangers of widespread unrest and chaos. Whatever the findings of the survey, the govt should make sure that it does not turn into another excuse for violence and arson.