Broken Idols Found at Bhojshala Complex | 04 Jul 2024

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.

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.

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”.