700 years since Alauddin Khilji’s attack on Bhojshala:Remained a center of knowledge and science for 271 years, faced repeated destruction under Muslim rulers

Attention has once again turned to Dhar Bhojshala regarding the celebration of Basant Panchami on January 23. This year, Basant Panchami falls on a Friday. Hindu organisations have sought permission from the administration to worship Goddess Saraswati throughout the day. On the same day, members of the Muslim community are also scheduled to offer prayers at the site. Between 2003 and 2016, Basant Panchami fell on a Friday on three occasions. Each time, the situation became contentious. To avoid a repeat this year, the administration has put in place extensive security arrangements. Meanwhile, Hindu Front for Justice has filed a petition in the Supreme Court seeking the right to worship throughout the day. The hearing on this petition is scheduled for today, January 22. Nearly 990 years of Bhojshala history The history of Bhojshala in Dhar spans nearly 990 years. It was built in 1034 AD by King Bhoj, who installed the idol of Goddess Vagdevi at the site. Bhojshala flourished for over 200 years. However, in 1305 AD, Muhammad Khilji attacked the structure and attempted to destroy it. After this, Bhojshala was repeatedly attacked by Muslim invaders. For several years, the idol of Goddess Saraswati remained buried at the site. Later, during British rule, excavation was carried out and the idol of Vagdevi was taken to a museum in London. From the time of Khilji’s invasion until the present day, the struggle to restore Bhojshala’s identity has continued. The historical information related to Bhojshala has been provided by Sumit Chaudhary, General Secretary of the Bhojshala Utsav Committee. Current Status in Court The legal dispute over whether Bhojshala is a temple or a mosque remains ongoing. On May 1, 2022, the Hindu Front for Justice filed a petition in the Indore High Court demanding that complete ownership of Bhojshala be handed over to Hindus. The petition also sought a scientific survey by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to determine the true nature of the structure. On March 11, 2024, the Indore High Court directed ASI to conduct a scientific survey of Bhojshala and submit its report within six weeks. ASI later sought additional time, which was granted until July 2, 2024. A further extension was given, and on July 15, ASI presented its scientific report to the High Court. The survey was conducted using Ground Penetrating Radar and Carbon Dating techniques. Muslim side approaches Supreme Court Challenging the High Court’s March 11, 2024, order, the Muslim side filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court on March 16, 2024, seeking a complete hearing. On April 1, 2024, the Supreme Court allowed the scientific survey to continue but barred any decision based on the report without its permission. The court also directed that the survey report be kept confidential and not made public. It further instructed that no excavation should be carried out that would alter the original structure of Bhojshala. The Muslim side argued that the High Court ordered the survey without hearing them and that earlier petitions, including one filed in 2019, were ignored. Hindu side seeks early decision after survey After the ASI submitted its survey report, the Hindu side filed a mention in the Supreme Court. It requested that the restriction on decisions based on the report be lifted and that the High Court be directed to proceed with a final ruling. The matter is currently under consideration by the court.