Indian Heritage & Culture
ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex
- 12 Mar 2024
- 9 min read
For Prelims: Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), King Bhoja, Bhojashala, Vagdevi temple
For Mains: Role of Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Temple Architecture
Why in News?
The Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court has ordered the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to conduct a scientific survey of the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Dhar district to clarify its original nature.
What is the Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque Complex?
- About:
- The Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex was originally a temple of goddess Sarasvati built by Parawara King Bhoja in 11th Century AD.
- The mosque is built using structural members of the temple. The monument also retains some slabs inscribed with Sanskrit and Prakrit literary works.
- Noted as a great patron of art and literature, King Bhoja is said to have established a school, now known as Bhojashala.
- Under an agreement with the ASI, Hindus perform puja in the temple every Tuesday, and Muslims offer Namaz every Friday.
- Dispute:
- The controversy revolves around the original status of the site as a temple.
- The petitioner cites an ASI report claiming that the original Bhojshala and Vagdevi temples were demolished to build a mosque. A survey was requested to determine the actual history of the site.
- One respondent challenged the suit's maintainability, citing the principle of res judicata (a thing adjudged), noting a similar petition was dismissed by the High Court's Principal Bench in 2003.
- High Court’s Order:
- The court noted that the temple's character remains mysterious until determined. All parties agree on the need to clarify the monument's nature, a task assigned to the ASI under the Monument Act, 1958.
- The court mandated the ASI to promptly conduct a comprehensive scientific survey, excavation, and investigation using advanced methods like GPR-GPS and carbon dating, encompassing not only the site but also its 50-meter peripheral ring area.
- The court noted that the temple's character remains mysterious until determined. All parties agree on the need to clarify the monument's nature, a task assigned to the ASI under the Monument Act, 1958.
Who was Raja Bhoj of Gurjara-Pratihara Dynasty?
- Bhoja was the Pratihara dynasty's greatest emperor and the actual founder of the empire.
- The Gurjara-Pratiharas came to prominence in the second quarter of the 8th century, when they offered successful resistance to the Arabs.
- The Pratiharas who ruled over Kannauj for a long time are also called Gurjara-Pratiharas. The meaning of the word Pratihara is "doorman."
- They were in the tripartite struggle with the Palas and Rashtrakutas over dominance in the Kannauj, Malwa, and upper Ganga valley regions.
- He defeated the Pala king Devapala and the Rashtrakuta king Amoghavarsha, establishing the Gurjara-Pratiharas as the dominant power in northern India during his reign.
- Bhoja Ⅰ/Mihir Bhoja (836 – 885 AD):
- The best-known Gurjara-Pratihara king was Bhoja, grandson of Nagabhata II.
- A glorious chapter of the history of the Pratiharas begins with the accession of Mihirabhoja.
- Mihirabhoja ascended to the throne in 836 AD. He ruled the Pratiharas for more than 46 years and is regarded as their most popular king.
- He reorganized and consolidated the empire inherited from his ancestors and ushered in an era of prosperity for the Pratiharas.
- Kannauj which was likewise known as Mahodaya was regarded as the capital of his empire.
- The Skandhavara military camp at Mahodaya is mentioned in the Barrah Copper Plate inscription.
- The Pratihara rulers reportedly had India's strongest cavalry, according to Arab travellers.
- He was a great follower of Vaishnavism and assumed the title of “Adivaraha”.
- Al-Masudi, an Arab traveller, gave him the title "King Baura."
- The Arabs of Sindh, the Chandalas, and the Kalachuris all acknowledged his supremacy.
What are the Methods Adopted by the ASI for Excavation?
- Invasive Methods:
- Excavation, the most invasive archaeological technique, involves digging using stratigraphic principles to gather information about the past while simultaneously destroying it.
- Stratigraphy is adopted by archaeologists to peel off layers in reverse order and understand the logical formation of the archaeological record.
- Excavation, the most invasive archaeological technique, involves digging using stratigraphic principles to gather information about the past while simultaneously destroying it.
- Non-Invasive Methods: Non-invasive methods are used when investigations are undertaken inside a built structure and no excavation is permitted. It has several Methods:
- Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and measure the response. The methods provide an estimate of the ground’s material properties, such as density, electrical resistance, and wave velocity.
- Seismic Techniques: Use shock waves to study subsurface structures.
- Electromagnetic Methods: Measure electromagnetic responses after energy injection.
- Passive Methods: Measure existing physical properties.
- Magnetometry: Detect magnetic anomalies caused by buried structures.
- Gravity Surveying: Measure gravitational force variations due to subsurface features.
- Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR):
- ASI uses GPR to produce a 3-D model of buried archaeological features.
- GPR operates by introducing a short radar impulse from a surface antenna and records the time and magnitude of return signals from the subsoil.
- Radar beam spreads like a cone, causing reflections before the antenna passes over the object.
- Radar beams spread out in a cone, leading to reflections that may not directly correspond to physical dimensions, creating false images.
- Carbon Dating:
- Determine organic material age by measuring carbon content (C-14).
- Active Methods: Inject energy into the ground and measure the response. The methods provide an estimate of the ground’s material properties, such as density, electrical resistance, and wave velocity.
What are the Limitations of Various Methods in Archaeological Surveys?
- Similar physical properties of different materials can generate the same response, leading to ambiguity in identifying targets.
- The data collected is limited and contains measurement errors, making it challenging to accurately estimate the spatial distribution of properties.
- Archaeological structures are often made of heterogeneous materials with complex geometry, making data interpretation challenging.
- Geophysical tools might not accurately reconstruct target images, especially in complex scenarios.
- In cases like disputes over religious sites, emotional and political factors can influence interpretations and decisions.
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
- ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
- It administers more than 3650 ancient monuments, archaeological sites, and remains of national importance.
- Its activities include carrying out surveys of antiquarian remains, exploration and excavation of archaeological sites, conservation and maintenance of protected monuments, etc.
- It was founded in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham- the first Director-General of ASI. Alexander Cunningham is also known as the “Father of Indian Archaeology”.
UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question:
Prelims
Q. With reference to the history of India, consider the following pairs: (2020)
| Famous Place | Present State | |
| 1. | Bhilsa | Madhya Pradesh |
| 2. | Dwarasamudra | Maharashtra |
| 3. | Girinagar | Gujarat |
| 4. | Sthanesvara | Uttar Pradesh |
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 2 and 4 only
Ans: (a)
Mains:
Q.1 Chola architecture represents a high watermark in the evolution of temple architecture. Discuss (2013)
Q.2 Indian philosophy and tradition played a significant role in conceiving and shaping the monuments and their art in India. Discuss. (2020)
