The controversy over the survey of the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, turned violent on Sunday, resulting in four deaths and injuries to about 20 people, including several security personnel. The angry crowd resorted to throwing stones and setting fires, prompting the police to use tear gas and baton charges to control the situation.
Currently, 15 individuals, including two women, have been detained. The administration has ordered the closure of schools up to the 12th grade and imposed restrictions on the internet. Police claim this incident was a result of provocation, and the culprits of the violence will be dealt with under the National Security Act (NSA).
The violence in Sambhal led to serious injuries for a constable with a head injury and a fractured leg for a deputy collector. Motorcycles parked by the roadside were also set on fire. An investigation into the violence has begun, and efforts are underway to identify the culprits.
The court, while hearing a petition identifying the royal Jama Masjid of Sambhal as a Harihar Temple, ordered a survey of the mosque. The initial survey took place on the night of November 19, and the survey team returned on November 24 (Sunday). Despite the mosque committee's agreement for the survey in the presence of both parties, a large number of people protested against it. As the court-ordered survey commenced, the crowd attacked the police, pelted stones, and set several vehicles ablaze.
Source: aajtak
In efforts to control the situation, police resorted to using tear gas, and several troublemakers were detained. Despite the chaos, the survey team completed its work, and the findings will be presented in court on November 29 for all parties to review their opinions.
Speculation is rife regarding whether Sambhal's royal Jama Masjid stands where an ancient Hindu temple once existed. 'Aaj Tak' explored this claim with historical and archaeological insight, shedding light on several startling revelations through the 1875 report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Compiled by A.C.L. Carlleyle, this detailed survey was published under the title "Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur 1874–1875 and 1875–1876."
The report by the late AC Carlleyle of the Archaeological Survey of India highlights an exhaustive survey of Sambhal's Jama Masjid. It indicates that the mosque's pillars, both inside and out, are from ancient Hindu temples, which were plastered to conceal their origin. Upon peeling back the plaster from one pillar, ancient red pillars akin to Hindu temple architecture emerged.
The ASI claims that several markers and remnants in the mosque suggest its antiquity and connection to a Hindu temple. However, the matter remains sub judice, and recent survey findings will be presented in court on November 29, promising to illuminate the truth further.
Source: aajtak
The Hindu faction argues that Sambhal's majestic Jama Masjid was constructed by dismantling an ancient Hindu temple. This claim is supported by linking it to historical evidence and the Archaeological Survey of India's (ASI) report from 1875, which cites an inscription within the mosque as a predominant piece of evidence.
The ASI report mentions an inscription within the mosque stating that its construction in 933 Hijri was completed by Mir Hindu Beg, a courtier of Babur, who converted a Hindu temple into a mosque. According to the ASI, this inscription is conclusive proof that a Hindu religious site was remade into the mosque.
The Hindu faction argues that it replaced a temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This claim hinges on references found in Baburnama and the ASI report.
The 1875 ASI report contains multiple pieces of evidence supporting the existence of a Hindu temple.
Pillars of the Mosque: The pillars of the mosque differ from Islamic ones and symbolize authentic Hindu architecture.
Renovation of the Dome: The ASI states that the mosque's dome was renovated during the reign of Hindu Emperor Prithviraj Chauhan.
Archaeological Remains: Several Hindu temple markings were found embedded in the mosque's structure, later covered with plaster.
Source: aajtak
The petitioner, Harishankar Jain, has cited Baburnama in his plea. Baburnama, authored by Babur and translated by British orientalist Annette Beveridge, mentions on page 687 that under Babur's instructions, Mir Hindu Beg, his courtier, transformed the Hindu temple of Sambhal into Jama Masjid. This detailed description matches the inscription citing Mir Hindu Beg's name and the establishment of the mosque in 933 Hijri.
The survey of Sambhal's Jama Masjid and the subsequent violence have stirred political debates. Various political parties have issued sharp statements against the government and administration on this subject.
Akhilesh Yadav (SP chief) questioned why a second survey was conducted early in the morning despite a prior one being complete. He accuses the government of orchestrating such actions to stir unrest and distract from electoral issues, claiming the administration acted without hearing the other side.
Ram Gopal Yadav (SP MP) accused the police, stating, "If the police loot booths, people will throw stones." He attributed this to administrative excesses and the frustration of the public.
Aseem Arun (Uttar Pradesh government minister) assured strict action against those inciting violence, critiquing SP for allegedly dividing society.
Source: aajtak
Giriraj Singh (Union Minister) described the incident in Sambhal as an attack on democracy and law, stating, "Such attacks by a community on government apparatuses will not be tolerated."
Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM MP) condemned police actions, calling for an impartial investigation into the firing deaths of three youths in Sambhal.
Mayawati (BSP chief) held the government and administration accountable, emphasizing that dialogue should have been facilitated between the parties involved.
Sambhal's MP, Zia ur Rahman Bark, appealed for peace and stated on X (formerly Twitter), "The loss of life and property is irreplaceable. I will soon raise my voice in Parliament against the police's brutality."
For now, the dispute over the
temple and mosque in Sambhal
is proceeding through legal channels. The survey report, to be presented in court on November 29, will play a crucial role in resolving this conflict.
