BHOJSHALA-KAMAL MAULA
COMPLEX DISPUTE - HISTORY
News: What is the Bhojshala-Kamal
Maula complex dispute? | Explained
What's in the news?
●
The Supreme Court has issued a cautionary note to
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) barring any physical excavation that could
alter the character of the Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Complex.
Bhojshala Complex:
Location - Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
Established by - Raja Bhoj, the greatest ruler
of the Parmar dynasty, as an educational institute.
Date of Establishment - 11th Century.
Transformation:
●
Originally a Goddess
Wagdevi (Saraswati temple), later
converted into Kamal Maulana Mosque by Muslim rulers.
Architectural Features:
●
Large open courtyard (Mahaāyata)
●
Verandah with decorated pillars (Sthāpanā)
●
Prayer hall with intricately carved ceilings
(Shikharākāra).
Inscriptions:
●
Two hymns depicting the Karma Avatar of Vishnu (Avatār).
●
Sarpagandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet
and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa).
Archaeological
Significance:
●
Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India
(ASI) as an 11th-century monument
under Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
Controversy over
Bhojshala Complex:
1. Religious Claims:
●
Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess
Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal-Maula mosque.
2. Usage Agreement:
●
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows
Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Vasant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on
Fridays.
Recent Developments:
1. Vasant Panchami
Dispute:
●
A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during
Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
2. Demand for Extended
Access:
●
Hindu groups demand all-day access to the shrine on
such occasions, leading to protests and petitions filed in the High Court.
Go back to basics:
Raja Bhoj:
●
Dynasty - Gurjara- Pratihara.
●
Reign - 836 – 885 AD.
●
Rise to Prominence - Emerged as the paramount
power in northern India, defeating rivals like the Palas and Rashtrakutas.
●
Capital - Kannauj (Mahodaya).
●
Military Strength - Possessed India’s strongest cavalry, as noted by
Arab traveller Sulaiman.
●
Title - Assumed the title of “Adivaraha”; referred to as
“King Baura” by Arab travellers.
●
Religious Affiliation - Great follower of
Vaishnavism.
●
Acknowledgment of Supremacy - Acknowledged as
supreme by various factions, including Arabs of Sindh, Chandalas, and
Kalachuris.
●
Notable Feats - Triumph over Pala king Devapala and Rashtrakuta
king Amoghavarsha.
●
Legacy - Renowned for his wisdom, military prowess, and
patronage of Vaishnavism.
●
Historical Significance - Marked the zenith of
the Gurjara-Pratihara dynasty, leaving a lasting impact on Indian history.