ASI begins 'scientific survey' of Gyanvapi mosque complex

Varanasi: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday started a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque complex.

Sources said that the survey work which started at around 7 am is likely to last for four hours. Along with the ASI team plaintiffs and lawyers of both sides are present on the spot, they said.

Sources said that tight security arrangements have been made around the complex in the wake of the survey by the ASI team.

It may be noted that on July 21 the Varanasi district court ordered the ASI to undertake a 'scientific survey' of the Gyanvapi mosque complex and submit a report by August 4.

District Court Judge Ajay Krishna Vishvesha came up with the order after hearing the arguments of the counsels from the Hindu and Muslim sides.

Special Government Counsel Rajesh Mishra said the court ordered the ASI to survey the Gyanvapi complex, excluding the Wazookhana that was sealed after a Shivling-like structure was found there last year.

The court ordered that the report will be submitted by August 4 and put up for further proceedings on the same day.

While allowing the applications for a scientific and archaeological survey of the complex, the court ordered, "The Director of ASI is directed to undertake the scientific investigation, survey or excavation at the property in question that is at settlement plot number 9130 in the case excluding the areas sealed by the Supreme Court."

It directed, "The Director of ASI is also directed to conduct a detailed scientific investigation by using ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey, excavation, dating method and other modern techniques of the present structure to find out as to whether same has been constructed over a pre-existing structure of Hindu temple."

The court also directed the ASI director to conduct a scientific investigation in the light of the averment made in this application after associating the plaintiffs, defendants and their respective counsels and submit a report to this court and also to photograph and video-graph the entire survey proceedings.

It said, "The director of ASI is also directed to investigate the age and nature of construction of the western wall of the building in question through scientific method(s). He is also directed to conduct Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) survey just below the 3 domes of the building in question and conduct excavation, if required."

"The Director of ASI is also directed to conduct a GPR survey beneath the western wall of the building and conduct excavation, if required. He is also directed to conduct GPR survey beneath the ground of all the cellars and conduct excavation, if required," the court said.

The court has directed the ASI director to prepare a list of all the artefacts which are found in the building specifying their contents and carry out a scientific investigation and undertake a dating exercise to find out the age and nature of such artefacts.

It said, "The Director of ASI is also directed to conduct a dating exercise of the pillars and plinth of the building to find out the age and the nature of construction. He is also directed to conduct GPR survey, excavation wherever required, dating exercise and other scientific methods for determining the age and nature of construction existing at the site in question."

The court also directed the ASI director to investigate the artefacts and other objects of historical and religious importance existing in different parts of the building and also beneath the structure which may be found during such exercise. "The Director of ASI is also directed to ensure that there should be no damage to the structure standing on the disputed land and it remains intact and unharmed," it ordered.

It may be noted that four women plaintiffs moved an application before the court with the prayer that the Director of ASI is directed to undertake a scientific investigation, survey and excavation at the property in question, excluding the areas sealed under the orders of the SC.

It was prayed by the plaintiffs that a glorious, magnificent temple of Lord Shiva existed at the site in question which was destroyed by invaders. "Aurangzeb, one of the Mughal Emperors issued Farman in 1669 AD to demolish the temple of Adivisheshwar at Varanasi and in pursuance of the said command issued by the ruler, his subordinates demolished the aforesaid temple and informed him regarding compliance of his order," the application reads.

The counsels of the Muslim side had earlier objected to the scientific survey of the Gyanvapi complex by the ASI, stating that the excavation inside the complex may damage the structures. (UNI)