Broken Idols Found at Bhojshala Complex

• 04 Jul 2024

Why in News?

Recently, 1,710 relics, including 39 broken idols, were found during a survey carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to establish Bhojshala/ Kamal Maula Mosque complex in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district.

Key Points

• Hindus consider Bhojshala, an ASI-protected 11^th-century monument, to be a temple dedicated to Vagdevi (Goddess Saraswati), while the Muslim community call it Kamal Maula Mosque.
• As per an arrangement made by the ASI on 7^th April 2003, Hindus perform puja in the Bhojshala premises on Tuesdays, while Muslims offer namaz in the complex on Fridays.
• The high court had on 11^th March 2024 ordered the ASI to conduct a "scientific survey" of the Bhojshala-Kamal Moula mosque complex within six weeks.
  • The idols which were uncovered include those of Vagdevi (Saraswati), Mahishasur Mardini, Ganesh, Krishna, Mahadev, Brahma and Hanuman.

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”.