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From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Bhojshala Complex
Mains level: NA
In the news
- The Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district, an ASI-protected 11th-century monument, has been a subject of contention regarding its nature and usage.
- To address this, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has directed the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the site.
About Bhojshala Complex
Details | |
Location | Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh, India |
Historical Background | 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 Karmavatar of Vishnu (Avatār)
Sarpabandha pillar inscriptions with Sanskrit alphabet and grammatical rules (Vyākaraṇa) |
Archaeological Significance | Protected by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as an 11th-century monument |
Controversy over Bhojshala Complex
- Religious Claims: Hindus regard the site as the temple of Goddess Wagdevi (Saraswati), while Muslims believe it to be the Kamal Maula mosque.
- Usage Agreement: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) allows Hindus to pray on Tuesdays and Basant Panchami, and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.
Recent Developments
- Basant Panchami Dispute: A recent order allowing Hindus to worship during Basant Panchami hours led to discontent among some Right-wing activists.
- 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.
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