Prayagraj: The Allahabad High Court has termed the Shahi Jama Masjid of Sambhal a disputed structure, following claims from the Hindu side that the mosque was originally a Harihar temple before being demolished by Babur in 1529. The court’s decision came during a hearing on Tuesday regarding a petition demanding painting of the mosque. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on March 10, 2025.
Harishankar Jain, the lawyer representing the Hindu petitioners, stated that if the Muslim side continues to refer to the structure as a mosque, they will call it a temple. Jain compared the situation to the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case, where the Babri Masjid was considered a disputed structure before its eventual demolition and the construction of the Ram Mandir.
The Hindu side contends that the Jama Masjid was originally a Harihar temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva, before it was destroyed on the orders of Mughal Emperor Babur. They have cited historical references, including Baburnama and Ain-e-Akbari, to support their claim.
According to Baburnama, Babur’s general Hindu Beg Kuchin converted a Hindu temple in Sambhal into a mosque in 933 AH (1527-28 CE). Additionally, Ain-e-Akbari, a historical record from Emperor Akbar’s reign, mentions a Hari Mandal temple in Sambhal, associated with Brahmin priests who believed the tenth incarnation of Vishnu (Kalki) would appear at this place.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had previously conducted surveys at the mosque site and submitted its report to the court. During the latest hearing, the Masjid Committee objected to the ASI report, demanding its rejection. The ASI, in response, requested time to file a detailed reply.
The Masjid Committee had initially filed an application requesting whitewashing and cleaning of the mosque in preparation for Ramzan. However, the court only allowed cleaning while denying permission for whitewashing, citing that the modern enamel paint inside the mosque was still in good condition. The court also formed a three-member ASI team to inspect the mosque’s condition and submit a comprehensive report.
ASI’s Findings on the Mosque’s Condition
On February 28, 2025, the ASI team conducted a survey of the mosque premises in the presence of the mosque’s Mutawalli (caretaker) and lawyer Zafar Ali. The findings were as follows:
The interior of the mosque was painted with thick layers of bright colors (gold, red, green, and yellow), covering the original surface of the monument.
The rooms behind the prayer hall and entry gate were in a deteriorated state, with damaged lintels requiring replacement.
The roof of some rooms, made of wooden thatch, was in poor condition.
Cleaning, dust removal, and weed removal were deemed necessary, provided the mosque’s management committee cooperates.
The dispute over the Jama Masjid surfaced legally on November 19, 2024, when a petition was filed in the Sambhal Court, claiming that the mosque stood on Hindu religious land. On the same day, Civil Judge Senior Division Aditya Singh ordered a survey of the mosque.
Advocate Commissioner Ramesh Singh Raghav was appointed to conduct the survey. The survey team arrived at the mosque on November 19 at 4 p.m. and worked for two hours, but could not complete the process. They returned on November 24 for a second round of inspection.
However, the situation escalated on November 24, when a large crowd gathered near the mosque. This led to stone-pelting and violent clashes, resulting in the deaths of four people due to gunshot wounds.
The Allahabad High Court is set to hear the petition of the Masjid Committee on March 10, 2025. Meanwhile, the ASI has been granted time to file a reply to the objections raised by the Masjid Committee.
