Was Dhar Bhojshala A Saraswati Temple? Here’s What Archeologist KK Muhammed Says

Noted archeologist KK Muhammed claimed "there is no doubt" that the Dhar Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex was a Saraswati temple, but urged both Hindus and Muslims to refrain from doing anything that could "create problems for all".

Renowned archaeologist K K Muhammed has shared his views over the ongoing dispute over Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh, claiming that site was a Saraswati temple in the past and was later converted into an Islamic mosque.

“The historical fact about Dhar (Bhojshala) is that it was a Saraswati temple. It was converted into an Islamic mosque. But as per the Places of Worship Act 1991, the cut-off year is 1947. If it was a temple in 1947 then it is a temple and if it was a mosque, then it is a mosque,” said Muhammed, a former ASI official.

‘Both sides should abide court’s decision’

However, he asserted that both sides (Hindus and Muslims) should abide by the court’s decision in the matter and honour the Places of Worship Act 1991, and sit together to iron out differences over such places.

“Both sides should stick to the Act. The High Court will take a decision considering all facts. All should follow it (HC decision) as that will be the only solution,” the noted archeologist said.

Muhammed claimed “there is no doubt” that the complex was a Saraswati temple, but urged both communities to refrain from doing anything that could “create problems for all”.

Muslims must respect Hindu sentiments over Mathura, Kashi

He also urged Muslims to respect the sentiments of Hindus over Mathura and Kashi which are as important to them (Hindus) as Mecca and Madina are to the Muslims.

“Muslims should understand and respect the sentiments of Hindus. Kashi is associated with Lord Shiva and Mathura is the birthplace of Lord Krishna. The Hindus can’t shift them to other places but these are only mosques for Muslims, which are neither directly associated with Prophet Mohammed nor ‘aulias’. They (mosques) can be shifted elsewhere,” he said.

Matter must be resolved by dialogue

The eminent archaeologist urged both communities should sit together to find a solution in these matters.

“The Hindus should also consider that they should not come with a list (of places of worship). We need to strengthen the country and take it forward and they (both communities) should sit together (for this),” he stated.

It will be a big problem if both sides do not sort out the disputes, he cautioned.

Notably, K K Muhammed was part of the first excavation team led by Professor B B Lal at Ayodhya in 1976-77. The Padma Shri awardee had earlier claimed to have first witnessed the remains of a Ram temple under the Babri masjid.

Dhar Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque row

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is carrying out a survey of the disputed Bhojshala complex in MP’s tribal-dominated district following directives issued by the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

The high court had on March 11 directed the the ASI to carry out within six weeks a ‘scientific survey’ of the Bhojshala complex, a medieval-era monument.

The Hindu side claims that the site was previously a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) while the Muslims presently know it as the Kamal Maula Mosque.

As per an ASI order of April 7, 2003, Hindus are allowed to worship inside the Bhojshala complex every Tuesday, while Muslims are allowed to offer namaz at the site on Fridays.

(With PTI inputs)