Bhojshala Temple Why in News?
The Madhya Pradesh High Court declared the disputed Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district as a temple dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati). The court quashed a 2003 Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) order that had allowed shared worship by Hindus and Muslims at the site. The court held that the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, does not apply to the site because it is a protected monument under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958. Section 4(3) of the 1991 Act excludes ancient and historical monuments covered under the 1958 Act from the freeze on religious character. What is the Historical Background of the Bhojshala Complex? Parmar Dynasty and Raja Bhoj: The site is historically associated with Raja Bhoj (1010–1055 CE) of the Parmar dynasty, recognized as a great patron of art, literature, and education. He established the complex as a prominent centre of Sanskrit learning, which housed a temple dedicated to Goddess Saraswati (Vagdevi). The site uniquely preserves two Sarpabandha (serpentine chart) pillar inscriptions. These serve as educational tools, charting the Sanskrit alphabet, noun/verb terminations, and the ten tenses and moods of Sanskrit grammar. Prakrit Odes: Walls within the complex feature stone slabs engraved with two distinct odes dedicated to the Kurma-Avatara (the tortoise incarnation of Lord Vishnu), composed in the ancient Prakrit language. Classical Sanskrit Drama: Notably, slabs lining the mihrab (prayer niche) contain a theatrical composition written by Royal Tutor Madana, a disciple of the prominent Jain scholar Ashadhara, dating back to the reign of King Arjunavarma. The Idol of Vagdevi: An intricately carved idol of Goddess Saraswati was discovered at the site during excavations in the early 20th century. This idol is currently housed in the British Museum in London. Kamal Maula Mosque Claims: The Muslim community maintained that the site is the Kamal Maula Mosque, arguing that the foundation was laid by Hazrat Maulana Kamaluddin Chishti around 1306–1307 AD during Islamic rule. Historical Records: Historical literature, including the Imperial Gazetteer of India (1908), noted that the existing mosque was constructed using the remains of an older Hindu temple, with carved slabs actively reused in the floor and the mihrab. Madhya Pradesh High Court Judgment Rejection of Historical Proclamation: The bench rejected the Muslim side's reliance on an August 1935 Ailan (official proclamation) by the princely State of Dhar under the Government of India Act, 1935, noting that the Act itself was not enforced until April 1937. Unlike the Babri Masjid dispute, which was treated as a title suit involving ownership claims, the Bhojshala case was considered a writ petition under Article 226 seeking enforcement of the fundamental right to worship. Alternative Allotment for Mosque: To maintain complete justice and secure religious rights, the court directed the State government to consider applications for allotting alternative, suitable land within Dhar district for the construction of a mosque or prayer site. Administrative Stewardship: The ASI has been granted full supervisory, management, and administrative control over the property to regulate religious access, preserve the 11th century monument, and manage affairs related to Sanskrit learning at the site. Raja Bhoj Rise of the Dynasty: Raja Bhoj, widely recognized as Mihir Bhoja, was the most illustrious emperor of the Gurjara-Pratihara empire. Mihir Bhoja's Ascendancy (836 – 885 AD): As the grandson of Nagabhata II, Mihir Bhoja ascended the throne in 836 AD. He established the dynasty as the dominant power in northern India by defeating prominent rivals, including the Pala king Devapala and the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha. At its peak, his empire stretched from the foothills of the Himalayas to the Narmada River, and from Bengal to Sindh. Capital and Military Might: His empire was administered from the capital at Kannauj (also known as Mahodaya). Historical accounts from Arab travelers specifically note that the Pratihara rulers possessed India's strongest cavalry. Religious Patronage: Being a great follower of Vaishnavism, he assumed the prestigious title of “Adivaraha” (the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu), a title well-documented on his coinage. Diplomatic and Regional Supremacy: Regional dynasties like the Chandalas and the Kalachuris, as well as the Arabs of Sindh, acknowledged his supremacy. Furthermore, the prominent Arab traveler Al-Masudi referred to him as "King Baura." The Arab historian Sulaiman praised his unmatched cavalry and the safety of his empire. Gurjara-Pratiharas Origin Theories: Most historians believe the term Gurjara denotes a geographical region (Gurjaradesha—modern Rajasthan and Gujarat) where the clan originated or settled, rather than a specific ethnic identity. Their exact origins are debated. The bardic tradition of Rajasthan classifies them among the four Agnikula (fire-born) Rajput clans (alongside Chalukyas, Parmaras, and Chahamanas) created at Mount Abu to protect against foreign aggression. They called themselves "Pratihara" (doorkeeper), claiming descent from Lakshmana. Founder: Nagabhata I (730-756 AD) is considered the actual founder, renowned for successfully defeating Muslim forces from the Arab region, thereby halting their advance into India. The Tripartite Struggle: The Pratiharas were central figures in the prolonged Tripartite Struggle against the Palas of Bengal and the Rashtrakutas of the Deccan for dominance over the strategically crucial regions of Kannauj, Malwa, and the upper Ganga valley. Architectural Legacy (Mahu-Gujjara Style): They were prolific builders. Notable structures include: Teli-ka-Mandir (Gwalior Fort, MP): A magnificent architectural synthesis combining a North Indian Nagara base with a South Indian Dravidian-style Valabhi (barrel-vaulted) roof. Bateswar Temples (Morena, MP): A cluster of nearly 200 stone temples built during the early Pratihara phase, dedicated to Shiva, Vishnu, and Shakti. Osian Temples (Jodhpur, Rajasthan): Contains prominent early structures, including the Mahavira Jain Temple, which is the oldest surviving Jain temple in Western India. Literary Patronage: Under King Mahendrapala I, the court flourished with scholars like Rajashekhara, who authored classic Sanskrit works including Karpuramanjari and Kavyamimansa. Decline and Fragmentation: The empire weakened due to constant Rashtrakuta attacks (notably by Indra III) and the rise of powerful feudatories asserting independence (like the Paramaras of Malwa, Chandelas of Bundelkhand, and Chahamanas/Chauhans of Ajmer). The fatal blow came when Mahmud of Ghazni captured Kannauj in 1018, causing the dynasty to shatter into smaller regional states. K RAJARAM IRS 30526 -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Thatha_Patty" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/thatha_patty/CAL5XZop%3D%2BPAkgR5LmAz0gaBx%2BtwWQ2VgzJz%3DpnZe8qO1Zh9aXw%40mail.gmail.com.
