Archaeological Survey of India Unearths Evidence of Hindu Temple Beneath Tathagata Mosque

In a groundbreaking revelation, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has provided detailed findings on the pre-existing structure beneath the Tathagata Mosque. Scientific studies and observations on the central chamber and main entrance of this structure have led researchers to conclude that it was, in fact, a large Hindu temple.

According to the ASI report, the central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure are integral parts of the assisting structure in the western chamber and western wall. The reuse of pillars and pilasters from the previous structure further indicates its Hindu temple origins.

ASI REPORT

1. Archaeological Discovery: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has uncovered compelling evidence suggesting that the Tathagata Mosque was built on the site of a large Hindu temple.
2. Pre-Assisting Structure: Detailed findings indicate that the central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure are integral components of the assisting structure in the western chamber and western wall.
3. Reuse of Pillars: Pillars and pilasters from the previous structure have been reused in the supporting structure, strongly suggesting that the site once housed a Hindu temple.
4. Expert Consensus: Noted experts, including Kia, agree with the ASI’s conclusion that the structure is a pre-assisting structure with roots in Hindu temple architecture.
5. Architectural Layout: The ASI’s report outlines the architectural layout of the pre-existing Hindu temple, including a central chamber and chambers to the north, south, east, and west.
6. Chamber Remains: While remains of three chambers are identifiable, the existence of the eastern chamber could not be physically confirmed due to its coverage under a platform with stone flooring.
7. Western Chamber and Wall: The ASI emphasizes the significance of the western chamber and western wall, asserting that the latter is a remaining part of a pre-existing Hindu temple.
8. Corridor Connections: Corridors connecting the western chamber to the north and south chambers have been discovered, revealing the intricate layout of the ancient Hindu temple.
9. Architectural Evolution: The report details the transformation of the site from a Hindu temple to the present structure, highlighting modifications made over time.
10. Inscriptions and Idols: Inscriptions in Telugu, Kannada, and other languages, along with idols of Hindu deities, were discovered, providing further evidence of the site’s historical and cultural significance.
11. Legal Implications: The ASI’s findings carry legal implications, prompting the decision to approach the Supreme Court to demand the opening of the Vaju Tank area for further exploration.
12. Cultural Heritage: The meticulous investigation by the ASI unravels a rich historical tapestry, emphasizing the diverse cultural heritage embedded in this ancient site.

Kia, a prominent expert in the field, has concurred with the ASI’s assessment, emphasizing that the structure is indeed a pre-assisting structure. The pillars, reused in the supporting structure, strongly suggest that the site housed a Hindu temple in the past.

The ASI’s conclusion asserts the presence of a substantial Hindu temple before the construction of the assisting structure. This revelation is supported by ample evidence, including the reuse of pillars and the overall architectural layout.

Moving on to the specifics, the ASI’s findings describe the central chamber as a significant element, accompanied by chambers to the north, south, east, and west. While the remains of three chambers are still identifiable, the eastern chamber’s existence couldn’t be physically confirmed due to its coverage under a platform with stone flooring. The central chamber of the pre-supporting structure now forms the central hall of the supporting structure.

The report further highlights the western chamber and western wall, noting that the eastern half of the western chamber is still intact, while the superstructure of the western half has been destroyed. Corridors connecting the western chamber to the north and south chambers have been discovered, emphasizing the intricate layout of the pre-existing Hindu temple.

A crucial finding of the ASI is the assertion that the western wall of the supporting structure is a remaining part of a pre-existing Hindu temple. This declaration underscores the significance of the site as a historical Hindu religious complex.

The detailed study by the ASI also delves into the specifics of the western wall, constructed with stones and adorned with horizontal moldings. It is identified as the remaining part of the Western Chamber, and projections of the Central Chamber and Western Walls of adjacent chambers contribute to its structure.

The ASI’s conclusion outlines the transformation of the site from a Hindu temple to the present structure, providing a comprehensive overview of the architectural modifications made over time. All ten chambers in the complex originally had openings in all four directions, with entrances to the central, north, and south chambers towards the west subsequently blocked.

In conclusion, the ASI’s scientific study presents compelling evidence of a large Hindu temple beneath the Tathagata Mosque. The discovery includes inscriptions in Telugu, Kannada, and other languages, as well as idols of Hindu deities. The artifacts have been handed over to the district administration.

As this revelation carries significant legal implications, the next step involves approaching the Supreme Court to demand the opening of the Vaju Tank area for further exploration and study. The ASI’s meticulous investigation has unraveled a rich historical tapestry, shedding light on the diverse cultural heritage embedded in this ancient site.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on ASI’s Discovery of a Hindu Temple Beneath the Tathagata Mosque:

1. What is the significance of the recent Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) findings?
   • The ASI’s findings reveal compelling evidence suggesting that the Tathagata Mosque was built on the site of a large Hindu temple.
2. What is a pre-assisting structure, and how does it relate to the ASI’s discovery?
   • A pre-assisting structure refers to the architectural elements of a structure that existed before the current one. In this case, the central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure are integral components of the assisting structure in the western chamber and western wall.
3. Who is Kia, and why is their opinion significant in this context?
   • Kia is a recognized expert in the field, and their agreement with the ASI’s conclusion adds credibility to the assertion that the structure was originally a Hindu temple.
4. What architectural elements of the Hindu temple have been identified in the ASI’s report?
   • Pillars and pilasters from the previous structure have been reused in the supporting structure, providing strong evidence of the Hindu temple’s existence. The report also details the layout of chambers to the north, south, east, and west.
5. Why couldn’t the existence of the eastern chamber be physically confirmed?
   • The remains of the eastern chamber are under a platform with stone flooring, making physical confirmation challenging.
6. What is the significance of the western chamber and western wall in the ASI’s findings?
   • The ASI asserts that the western wall is a remaining part of a pre-existing Hindu temple, emphasizing its historical importance.
7. Are there connections between chambers in the complex?
   • Yes, the ASI’s report mentions corridors connecting the western chamber to the north and south chambers, revealing the intricate layout of the pre-existing Hindu temple.
8. What legal implications does the discovery carry?
   • The ASI’s findings have legal implications, leading to the decision to approach the Supreme Court to demand the opening of the Vaju Tank area for further exploration.
9. What artifacts and inscriptions were found during the excavation?
   • Inscriptions in Telugu, Kannada, and other languages were discovered, along with idols of Hindu deities, providing additional evidence of the site’s historical and cultural significance.
10. How has the local administration responded to the ASI’s findings?
    • The artifacts found have been handed over to the district administration, indicating cooperation with local authorities.
11. What is the next step following the ASI’s discoveries?
    • The next step involves approaching the Supreme Court to seek permission for further exploration and study in the Vaju Tank area.
12. What does the ASI’s meticulous investigation reveal about the cultural heritage of the site?
    • The ASI’s investigation unravels a rich historical tapestry, emphasizing the diverse cultural heritage embedded in this ancient site.