Uttar Pradesh

• 22 Nov 2024

Survey on Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh

Why in News?

Recently, the Court ordered a survey on the 16^th century Mughal era Jama Masjid in Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. The order is followed by a petition filed by a senior advocate.

Key Points

• Claims on Historical Conversion:
  • The petition alleges that the Jama Masjid in Sambhal was originally aHari Har temple located in mohalla Kot Purvi and was converted into a mosque in 1529.
  • It asserts that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is responsible for managing and controlling the disputed site.
• Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind:
  • Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, highlighted the importance of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act 1991, which preserves the religious character of all places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
  • They expressed concerns over the disregard for this legislation in recent judicial actions and emphasized the Supreme Court’s endorsement of the Act in the Ayodhya verdict.
• Historical Context of the Jama Masjid:
  • The Jama Masjid in Sambhal is one of three mosques constructed during Babur’s reign (1526–1530). The others include the mosque at Panipat and the now-demolished Babri Masjid.
    • Historian Howard Crane described the mosque’s architectural features in his work, The Patronage of Babur and the Origins of Mughal Architecture.
    • Crane noted a Persian inscription stating that Babur ordered the mosque’s construction in December 1526 through his subedar, Jahangir Quli Khan.

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organisation for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958 governs the functioning of ASI.
• 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”.