Gyanvapi built in 15th century, extended twice later, says mosque committee

VARANASI: Gyanvapi mosque management committee, Anjuman Intezamia Masjid, has disapproved of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report on scientific study and survey of the mosque, terming it "an attempt to set a false narrative".

Based on history available with AIM, it claimed that the mosque was constructed in three phases starting in 15th century CE.


In the first detailed reaction to the ASI report after its opening on Jan 25, AIM joint secretary SM Yaseen said, "A detailed study of the report is being done by legal experts and historians. But, after an initial study, we have reached the conclusion that the facts and findings of the report are not very different from court commissioner survey conducted in May 2022."

"As per history available with us, a rich man of Jaunpur, Sheikh Sulemani Mohaddis, had built the mosque on open land in Gyanvapi between 804-42 Hijri (at the beginning of the 15th century). After that, Mughal emperor Akbar initiated expansion of the mosque as per the philosophy of Din-i-Ilahi and the ruins of the western wall are part of the same construction," he said, adding that Aurangzeb ensured further expansion in the 17th century.

"How can it be claimed that it was a grand Hindu temple only?" Varanasi had also been a major centre of Buddhists, and after the arrival of Shankaracharya, Buddhists were compelled to migrate," Yaseen said, adding that it should also be studied whether any Buddhist monastery or temple existed here to learn the real history. If the city is excavated, many facts of Buddhists and Jains could also be found, he added.

Despite SC order for a non-invasive scientific study, ASI dug up many areas, claimed Yaseen. He said GPR can help indicate possibility of any structure at any place, but based on outcomes of studies done through it claims of a grand Hindu temple are being made.

Yaseen said AIM will challenge the report and keep contesting cases, wherever they are filed, to protect the mosque. "We have full faith in the Constitution and judiciary," said Yaseen.