Gyanvapi Mosque and Dispute
Source: The Hindu
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Overview
- News in Brief
- About Gyanvapi Mosque
- Places of Worship Act 1991
Why in the News?
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report concerning the Gyanvapi case, made public on 25 January, stated that there existed a large Hindu temple (at the site), before the construction of the existing structure (mosque).
News in Brief
- ASI carried out a court-approved scientific survey of the 17th-century mosque adjoining the Kashi Vishwanath Temple to determine if it was constructed over a pre-existing structure of a temple.
- The Varanasi court had on January 24 allowed the findings of the ASI report to be made available to all parties.
- The ASI said it concluded based on a scientific survey, the study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures.
About Gyanvapi Mosque
- The Gyanvapi Mosque is located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
- It is situated near the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, one of the holiest sites in Hinduism.
- The mosque is located at the heart of Varanasi, a city known for its religious and cultural significance.
What is the Gyanvapi Mosque and Dispute?
- The history of the Gyanvapi Mosque is closely tied to the history of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
- Hindu petitioners assert that the Gyanvapi mosque stands on the original site of an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, demolished by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century.
- During the reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in the 17th century, the original temple was destroyed, and a mosque was built on the site.
- This mosque is now known as the Gyanvapi Mosque.
- The term “Gyanvapi” is derived from the words “Gyan” (knowledge) and “Vapi” (well).
- According to local legends, there is a well inside the mosque complex, and it is believed to be connected to the original Kashi Vishwanath Temple that stood at the site before the mosque was constructed.
- The complex has been a source of religious and historical significance and, over the years, has been a subject of contention between Hindu and Muslim communities.
- The Kashi Vishwanath Temple, which is adjacent to the mosque, is considered one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism.
- The dispute over religious sites like the Gyanvapi Mosque is complex and often sensitive.
- In recent times, there have been legal disputes and discussions about the religious and historical aspects of such sites.
- The Gyanvapi Mosque and the Kashi Vishwanath Temple complex continue to be places of worship and attract pilgrims and tourists from various parts of the country and beyond.
Arguement in favour of GyanVapi Mosque
- The mosque is managed by the Anjuman Masjid Committee.
- They claim that because the Places of Worship Act, of 1991 prohibits changing the religious character of any place of worship that existed as of August 15, 1947.
- It has been a mosque for decades.
Places of Worship Act 1991
- The Act was passed in the aftermath of the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992.
- The act prohibited the conversion of any place of worship and to maintain the religious character of any place of worship as it existed on August 15, 1947, the day India attained independence.
- It preserves communal harmony and respects the sentiments of all religious communities in India.
- It exempts certain places from its purview, such as
- Ancient monuments and archaeological sites are covered by another law.
- Places of worship that have been settled or resolved by mutual agreement or court verdicts.
- Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya, which is subject to a separate legislation.
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