The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) faces the impending deadline to submit its scientific survey report of the Gyanvapi mosque premises to the Varanasi district court by Tuesday. The extensive survey, spanning 100 days, witnessed multiple extensions sought by the ASI during the investigative process.
Concluding almost a month earlier, the survey led by the ASI requested additional time to compile and present the comprehensive report. The last extension, granted on November 18, allowed a 10-day timeframe, after the ASI sought a further 15-day extension.
Commencing on August 4, the survey primarily covered the mosque premises, excluding the Wuzukhana area, sealed under the directives of the Supreme Court.
ASI’s recent communication to the court highlighted the survey’s “completion” while emphasizing the necessity for additional time to compile the report along with comprehensive details regarding the survey equipment employed.
The court-mandated survey stemmed from a petition by four women seeking permission to offer prayers at the Shringar Gauri Shrine, situated behind the temple’s western wall. Previously, a video survey conducted in May, based on the petition, revealed a structure in the Wuzukhana that the petitioners identified as a ‘shivling.’
There are assertions from certain right-wing activists suggesting the existence of a temple that was purportedly demolished in the 17th century under the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. The Gyanvapi mosque stands adjacent to the iconic Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
Sources By Agencies
