Hindu Petitioner Ashish Goyal Discusses ASI’s 98-Day Survey at Bhojshala Complex in Madhya Pradesh

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed its 98-day excavation at the Bhojshala/Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh. The survey began on March 22 following an order from the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court.

Key Findings

Hindu petitioner Ashish Goyal shared that the ASI team, consisting of seven survey officers and 36 laborers, discovered seven significant remains, including pillars, walls, and a broken structure of a Goddess. A statue of Lord Brahma was also found and cleaned.

Next Steps

ASI’s Regional Director Bhuvan Vikram stated that the excavation work has ended, and the team will now focus on documentation. The ASI will submit a report to the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court by July 2, with the next hearing scheduled for July 4.

Religious Significance

The Bhojshala Complex is a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati) for Hindus and the site of the Kamal Maula mosque for Muslims. An arrangement since 2003 allows Hindus to perform puja on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays.

Court Orders

The High Court had directed the ASI to complete a scientific investigation and submit a report within six weeks. The ASI was granted additional time and must now submit the report by July 2, with no further extensions allowed.