Sambhal Controversy: Sambhal, a small town in Uttar Pradesh, has become the epicenter of a significant controversy. The renowned Shahi Jama Masjid, once believed to be Shri Harihar Temple, is at the heart of a legal battle. Recent incidents, including a court-ordered survey and violent clashes, have brought the issue into the national spotlight.
Violent Clashes During Court-Ordered Survey
Sambhal Controversy: The dispute escalated last Sunday when a court-directed survey of the mosque premises faced severe resistance. During the process, stone pelting occurred, with reports claiming that a mob from a particular community attacked the police. Allegedly, they attempted to snatch weapons and even threatened the officers’ lives.
The Claim of Shri Harihar Temple
Sambhal Controversy: Many members of the Hindu community assert that the site is the birthplace of Kalki, the last incarnation of Lord Vishnu. They argue for the demolition of the mosque to reconstruct the Shri Harihar Temple. Conversely, the Muslim community views the mosque as deeply significant and is unwilling to relinquish it.
Historian Meenakshi Jain’s Perspective
Renowned historian Meenakshi Jain suggests that the mosque was built during Babur’s reign after demolishing a temple. According to Jain, inscriptions on the mosque confirm its construction under Babur’s orders, and remnants of the original temple are still visible.
ASI Survey and Historical Evidence
An 1879 report by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) supports the Hindu temple claim. Compiled by A.C.L. Carlyle, the report, titled “Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur,” cites evidence of the site’s Hindu origins. ASI findings also reveal that the mosque’s dome was renovated during the reign of Prithviraj Chauhan, who is believed to have made Sambhal his capital.
Central Location of the Controversial Site
Situated in the heart of Sambhal, the Jama Masjid occupies a strategic location known as “Kot.” Hindus and Muslims have distinct names for this area, calling it “Kot Poorvi” (East) and “Kot Gharbi” (West), respectively. Locals even refer to it as the “India-Pakistan Border” humorously.
Journalist Swati’s Ground Report
Journalist Swati Goel Sharma conducted an on-ground investigation, uncovering testimonies from locals who affirm the site’s identification as Shri Harihar Temple. Anil Tandon, 66, recalls visiting the site as a child and discovering a locked room and a well. Similarly, other residents, including those who migrated post-Partition, confirm hearing stories of the site being a temple.
Changing Demographics and Displacement
The Hindu population in the area has dwindled over the years, with some families choosing to leave due to rising tensions. Many locals report the disappearance of an ASI plaque that once identified the mosque as being built over a temple.
A Place of Religious Significance
Several residents recount religious practices associated with the site. For instance, a 90-year-old woman shared memories of performing rituals at a well outside the mosque, which was later covered and partially absorbed into the mosque premises.
Current Situation and Legal Proceedings
Following last Sunday’s violent incident, the “Kot Gharbi” area is nearly deserted. Police are analyzing video footage to identify those involved in the stone pelting. Meanwhile, the Hindu community feels marginalized, awaiting a fair resolution from the courts.
With mounting evidence and public testimony, the controversy surrounding the Jama Masjid and Shri Harihar Temple deepens. All eyes are now on the judiciary to deliver a balanced verdict while maintaining communal harmony.
