Leaders Online Desk: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) of Bhojshale at Dhar in Madhya Pradesh will begin tomorrow (March 22) following an order from the Madhya Pradesh High Court in Indore. (Bhojshala)
Bhojshala : What is the 'Bhojshala' controversy?
A petition was filed in the Indore High Court demanding the installation of an idol of Saraswati Devi in ​​the Bhojshala at Dhar and videography of the entire complex. The petition has also demanded to stop namaaz here.
What does history say?
A thousand years ago, the Parmar family ruled Dhar. Raja Bhoja ruled here from 1000 to 1055. Raja Bhoj was an ardent devotee of Goddess Saraswati. He established a college here in 1034, which later came to be known as 'Bhojshala'. Hindus also consider it as Saraswati temple. Bhojshala is said to have been destroyed by Alauddin Khilji in 1305. After this in 1401, Dilawar Khan Gauri built a mosque in a part of Bhojshale. In 1514, Mahmud Shah Khilji also built a mosque in another area. Excavations are believed to have taken place in 1875. An idol of Goddess Saraswati was found in this excavation. British officer Major Kincaid took this idol to England. It is currently in the London Museum. The demand to bring it back has also been filed in the High Court.
Hindu organizations describe Bhojshale as a Raja Bhoja era building and consider it a temple of Saraswati. Muslims were allowed to pray here for a while during the dynasty. On the other hand, the Muslim community says that they have been offering prayers here for years. Muslims call it Bhojshala-Kamal Maulana Masjid.
Bhojshale was declared a protected monument by the Dhar Sansthan
In 1909, Bhojshale was declared a protected monument by the Dhar Sansthan. Later it was handed over to the Archeology Department. The Archeology Department is responsible for its maintenance. In 1935, Dhar Sansthan itself gave permission to perform Friday prayers here. There was a controversy here in 1995. Thereafter, Tuesday Puja and Friday Namaz were allowed.
Bhojshala: Bhojshala at the center of discussion due to incidents of tension
On May 12, 1997, the District Collector banned the general public from entering the Bhojshala. Puja was also banned on Tuesday. Prayers on Vasant Panchami only and Friday prayers were allowed. The ban was lifted on 31 July 1997. On February 6, 1998, the Archeology Department banned entry until further orders. Tuesday Puja also stopped. In 2003, worship on Tuesdays was allowed again. The banquet hall was also opened for tourists. In 2013, there was tension here when Vasant Panchami and Friday fell on the same day. The Hindus refused to leave the place. Police lathicharged. This happened in 2016 as well.
Madhya Pradesh | ASI (Archaeological Survey of India) survey of Bhojshala in Dhar to begin tomorrow, 22nd March, after the order of High Court, Madhya Pradesh at Indore. pic.twitter.com/T9le6PfZl3
— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2024
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