Dispute Deepens Over Bhojshala: Muslim Side Calls ASI Report ‘Misleading’, Rejects Temple-Origin Claim

Dhar (Madhya Pradesh): The long-standing dispute over the Bhojshala complex in Dhar has intensified after Muslim representatives rejected the recent Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report, calling it “misleading” and announcing their decision to challenge it in the High Court on March 16.

The ASI report, based on scientific examination and excavation, has concluded that the present structure—identified as Kamal Maula Mosque—was constructed using remnants of an ancient Hindu temple. The findings have reignited tensions between Hindu and Muslim groups over the historical character of the site.

Muslim Side Rejects Temple-Origin Findings

The petitioner in the case, Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society, has dismissed the ASI’s conclusions. Society president Abdul Samad stated that the stones and architectural fragments cited in the report did not originate from a demolished temple but from the debris of a palace built by Raja Bhoj.

According to the Muslim representatives, Raja Bhoj’s palace was destroyed by the Chaulukya-Solanki rulers of Gujarat, and the remaining debris was later used in the construction of the mosque. They argue that transporting heavy stones over long distances was impractical at the time, prompting builders to use available material from the ruined palace.

Samad alleged that certain architectural elements discovered during excavation were placed with a specific intent to give the impression that the mosque was built over a temple. He described the ASI report as “directionally misleading.”

Reference to 1963 ASI Survey

The Muslim side also cited a 1963 ASI survey conducted during the British period, which recorded the site as Kamal Maula Mosque and declared it a protected monument.

“It was a mosque, it is a mosque, and prayers will continue there,” Samad asserted, adding that the community would safeguard its legal rights in court.

Historical Claims and Counter-Claims

The society maintains that the mosque was constructed in 1295 by Kamal Maulana, a disciple (Khalifa) of the Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, on land granted by Malwa ruler Mahmud Khilji. They claim to possess historical records supporting this assertion.

Samad further argued that since Raja Bhoj was a Hindu king, it is natural for the architectural remains in the area to display Hindu characteristics, which should not automatically be interpreted as evidence of a demolished temple.

Legal Battle Ahead

The Muslim petitioners have stated that they will formally present their objections when the High Court considers the ASI’s survey findings and recommendations.

Meanwhile, Hindu groups maintain that Bhojshala is the temple of Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) and have welcomed the ASI report as validation of their long-standing claim.

With both sides firm in their positions, the Bhojshala issue appears set for another critical legal confrontation in the coming weeks.