Archeological Discovery in India Could Enflame Hindu-Muslim Tensions

The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on July 15th found that the existing structure of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar, central India, is constructed on the remains of an older Paramara-era temple, dating back to the 10th–11th century, according to a 151-page scientific survey..The report indicated 95 pieces, including structural fragments, were discovered alongside sculpture depictions. Statues of four-armed figures were found carved into windows, beams, pillars, and other parts used in the structure of the current building. Images of Hindu gods, goddesses, and animals were also discovered..Hundreds of additional artifacts such as coins, scriptures, pottery, pieces of terracotta, archeological, stone, metal, and glass fragments were also discovered. The current structure was found to be built in three layers, with the current building being the third layer. ASI stated the first layer is made up of basalts, with the second being the base for the current one, and made of soil and bricks..Disputes Over the Area.The examination began on March 11th, after the Madhya Pradesh High Court issued an order. ASI requested India's National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) run a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) test at the site. People from the local Hindu and Muslim communities were reportedly present at the time..The order was initially for ASI to return data within six weeks, but it was extended to 12 weeks as per ASI's request. The area is disputed between Hindus and Muslims and was sent to court when the Hindu Front for Justice submitted a petition against Namaz, a Muslim service, in the surveyed area..On April 1st, the Supreme Court refused an appeal filed by the Muslims to decline the stay of ASI's survey, however, it did not allow ASI to carry out any "physical excavation" that could alter the "character of the premises.".Animals and human figures are not permitted on a mosque, as it is considered idolatry and forbidden by the Qur'an. The ASI team discovered some etchings were described as "chiseled out or defaced." The report stated these can be seen on the western and eastern side colonnades, on the lintel—a beam usually placed above windows and doors—and on the southeast entrance. ASI also noted that some of the figures found in the western colonnade were in a "good state of preservation.".Hindus refer to it as the Bhojshala complex, whereas Muslims refer to it as the Kamal Maula Mosque..In 2003, ASI arranged for both Hindus and Muslims to practice their faith on the premises. Hindus perform puja on Tuesdays from sunrise to sunset, and Muslims offer Namaz on Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. local time. Tensions can be high if Vasant Panchami, a Hindu festival, falls on a Friday, as ASI tries to schedule both groups at different times. However, it can prove difficult when one group will not leave the premises..In a similar case, on December 6th, 1992, thousands of Indian People's Party (BJP) and the World Council of Hindus (VHP) members organized by the 'National Volunteer Organization (RSS) tore down the Ayodhya Mosque, causing riots across India, in which authorities claimed 2,000 people died, most of whom were Muslims. The BJP, along with similar parties like the VHP, began a campaign of pro-Hinduism beliefs starting in the 1980s and continuing into the 1990s, leading to clashes and unrest, some of which continue to this day. The event strained Hindu-Muslim relations, even outside of India in areas such as Pakistan and Bangladesh..Complex Dispute Could Exacerbate Pre-Existing Conditions.If the current dispute and debate over the complex continue, the outcomes could have numerous effects on the Hindu and Muslim communities within India..The complex could be torn down since ASI's survey found that the mosque is built on top of older structural remains of a Hindu temple. Hindus claim that many mosques in India were built on older Hindu temples, done during the Muslim Mughal Empire's reign. They likely view this as rightful Hindu territory, or could at least have a claim to the given area. Although the Kamal Maula Mosque is the current structure, the original basis is partially made up of older pieces from a Hindu temple, and demolishing the Kamal Maula Mosque could also destroy the Hindu artifacts and history present there..If the mosque is torn down, this may cause riots across India, putting a further strain on the relationship between India's 204 million Muslims and the majority Hindu population, which could result in damage to temples, mosques, and other similar properties, as well as injuries or deaths. The event would definitely continue to put a strain on relations between Muslims and Hindus..Destruction of the mosque could also cause distrust and dislike of the government by India's Muslim population, which could also spark riots or civil unrest between the government and Hindu nationalist groups, and shift the view of the current Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian People's Party (BJP) toward one of skepticism and mistrust. Opposition to the BJP has claimed the ruling party has insisted India is a "Hindu nation," and tearing down the mosque could begin to reinforce this notion.