Key Points
Varanasi district judge Ajaya Krishna Vishvesha, who is hearing the Shringar Gauri case, had asked ASI on July 21 last year to do a scientif ic survey of the Gyanvapi premises and determine whether the mosque stood over a pre-existing structure...
Central chamber and main entrance of the pre-existing structure in existing structureWestern chamber and western wallReuse of pillars and pilasters of preexisting structure in existing structureInscriptions on the existing structureArabic and Persian inscription on the loose stoneSculptural remains in cellars, etc..
Animal figures carved at the lower ends of decorated arches of the pre-existing structure were mutilated, and inner part of dome is decorated with geometric designsMain entrance to the central chamber of the temple was from the west which was blocked by stone masonry..
Existing architectural remains, decorated mouldings on the walls, karna-ratha and prati-ratha of central chamber, a large decorated entrance gate with torana on the eastern wall of the western chamber, a small entrance with mutilated image on lalat bimba, birds and animals carved for decoration in and outside suggest that the western wall is remaining part of a Hindu temple..
Based on scientific studies/ survey carried out, study of architectural remains, exposed features and artefacts, inscriptions, art and sculptures, it can be said that there existed a Hindu temple prior to the construction of the existing structure..
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