ASI Survey of Bhojshala Complex

• 12 Mar 2024

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

Source: TH

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 11^th 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.

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 8^th 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.
• 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).

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)

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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)