The row over the Jama Masjid poll in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, took a violent turn on Sunday. Four people died and about 20 were injured. These also include many security personnel. The angry crowd pelted stones and set fire to the police, following which the police had to use tear gas and lathi charges to control the situation.
So far, 15 people, including two women, have been arrested in the case. The administration has ordered the closure of schools up to grade 12 and a ban on the Internet. According to the police, this incident is a result of provocation and action will be taken against those accused of violence under the National Security Act (NSA).
In the Sambhal riots, a constable suffered serious head injuries and a deputy collector suffered a fractured leg, while motorcycles parked on the roadside were also set on fire. The investigation into the violence has begun and the miscreants are being identified.
violence during the survey
While hearing the petition regarding Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal district as a Harihar temple, the court ordered an inspection of the mosque. First, the survey was conducted on the night of November 19 and for the second time on November 24 (Sunday) the survey team reached the mosque. The survey was to be held in the presence of both parties with the consent of the mosque committee, but a large number of people protested against the mosque survey. When the investigation began by order of the court, the mob became angry and attacked the police, threw stones and set many vehicles on fire.
To control the situation, the police had to use tear gas and many criminals were arrested. Despite this, the investigation team has completed its work and the report will be presented to the court on November 29, where all parties will have the opportunity to give their opinion.
Sambhal Jama Masjid or Harihar Temple?
As for the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, the question arises whether this mosque was actually built by demolishing an ancient Hindu temple. ‘Aaj Tak’ carried out a historical and archaeological investigation of this claim, in which the 1875 report of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) revealed many shocking facts. This report was prepared by ACL Carlyle and published under the title “Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur 1874–1875 and 1875–1876”.
Conclusions of the 1875 ASI report
The then official of the Archaeological Survey of India, ACL The report prepared by ACL Carlleyle, “Tours in the Central Doab and Gorakhpur 1874–1875 and 1875–1876”, contains a detailed study of Jama Masjid of Sambhal. According to the report, the pillars inside and outside the mosque come from ancient Hindu temples, which were attempted to be hidden by applying plaster. When the plaster was removed from one of the pillars of the mosque, ancient red pillars were visible, which were of the same design and structure used in Hindu temples.
The ASI survey stated that there are many signs and remains present in the mosque that point to its antiquity and its connection with a Hindu temple. However, the matter is sub judice and the latest survey results will be presented in court on November 29. The further truth will become clear in this report.
Jama Masjid of Sambhal: Was it a converted Hindu temple?
As for Sambhal’s Shahi Jama Masjid, the Hindu side claims that it was built by demolishing an ancient Hindu temple. Attempts have been made to link this claim with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and historical evidence. In the 1875 ASI report, an inscription present in this mosque is mentioned as further evidence.
The ASI argument
According to the report, there is an inscription in the mosque which says that its construction was completed by Mir Hindu Beg in 933 Hijri. Mir Hindu Beg was a courtier of Babar, who converted a Hindu temple into a mosque. According to ASI, this inscription is proof that the mosque was built replacing a Hindu religious place.
Jama Masjid of Sambhal: Historical claims and evidence
Regarding Sambhal’s Jama Masjid, the Hindu side has claimed that it was built by demolishing the Hindu temple of Lord Vishnu. Baburnama and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) report are considered the basis for this claim.
ASI report
There is much evidence recorded in the ASI report of 1875, indicating the existence of a Hindu temple.
Mosque pillars: Hindu mosque pillars are different from Muslim pillars and are a symbol of pure Hindu architecture.
Renovation of dome: According to ASI, the dome of the mosque was renovated during the reign of Hindu emperor Prithviraj Chauhan.
Archaeological remains: Many signs of Hindu temples were found in the structure of the mosque, which were later covered with plaster.
Baburnama mentions:
Petitioner Harishankar Jain from the Hindu side has mentioned Baburnama in his petition. On page 687 of the Baburnama, written by Babur himself and translated by British orientalist Annette Beveridge, it is written that on Babur’s orders his courtier Mir Hindu Beg converted the Hindu temple of Sambhal into Jama Masjid. This description coincides with the inscription that mentions the name of Mir Hindu Beg and the construction of the mosque in the year 933 Hijri.
Politics on alert, statements from leaders-
The poll and the subsequent violence at Jama Masjid in Sambhal have created a political stir. Different political parties have given harsh statements against the government and administration on this issue.
Akhilesh Yadav (SP chief) said: “When the poll had already been conducted, why was it conducted again and too early in the morning? All this has been done deliberately to ruin the atmosphere and divert attention from electoral issues. “. Calling it a government conspiracy, he alleged that the administration took action without listening to the other side.
Ram Gopal Yadav (SP MP) accused the police and said, “If the police loot the booth, the public will pelt stones.” He called it the result of administration excesses and public disappointment.
Aseem Arun (Uttar Pradesh government minister) said that strict action will be taken against those who commit violence. Taking aim at the SP, he said, “Akhilesh Yadav always works to break the society.”
Giriraj Singh (Union Minister) described the Sambhal incident as an attack on democracy and law. “These attacks on government machinery by a community will not be tolerated,” he said.
Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM MP) condemned the police action and said, “Three youths were killed in police firing in Sambhal. There should be an impartial investigation.”
Mayawati (BSP chief) held the government and administration responsible and said, “The administration should have facilitated dialogue between the two parties.”
At the same time, Sambhal MP Zia Ur Rehman Burke, while appealing for peace, wrote “I will take it up.”
At the moment, Dispute over temple and mosque in Sambhal It is now moving forward in the legal process. The survey report, which will be submitted before the court on November 29, will play an important role in resolving this dispute.
