In India, debates over mandir (temple) versus masjid (mosque) have often made headlines. These issues go beyond religion and sometimes overshadow other important matters like education and development. After the Ayodhya dispute, which centred on the Babri Masjid, another mosque, the Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, has become the focus of attention. A court-ordered survey of this 16th-century mosque has led to violence, arrests, and a citywide shutdown.

Reason behind the violence

The violence in Sambhal began when a local court ordered a survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, a Mughal-era mosque. The survey was based on a claim that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple, the Shri Hari Har Temple. The situation became very tense when local people and the police had a conflict during the survey. Some protesters burnt vehicles, threw stones at the police, and created a lot of trouble in the city. To bring the situation under control, the police used tear gas and sticks.

Four people lost their lives, and several others were injured in the violence. Schools were shut, and internet services were suspended to prevent further unrest. Twenty-one people, including three women, have been detained, and the authorities are investigating the incident.

History of the Sambhal Mosque

The Jama Masjid in Sambhal is an important historical monument. It was built during the time of Mughal Emperor Babur, between 1526 and 1530. This mosque is one of three mosques Babur built, along with the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya and another mosque in Panipat. A trusted officer of Babur, Hindu Beg Qucin, supervised the construction of the mosque in December 1526.

The mosque reflects early Mughal-style architecture, featuring a square-shaped hall with a dome in the middle. Persian writings inside confirm it was built during the Mughal era. However, some historians think parts of an older Hindu temple might have been used in its construction. Sambhal is also an important place for Hindus, as it is believed to be the birthplace of Kalki, the tenth avatar of Lord Vishnu, who is expected to appear in the future to end the current age of darkness, called Kalyug.

UP unrest: Protests over mosque survey turn violent in Sambhal

What is the case about?

The legal dispute about the Jama Masjid started when some people claimed that the mosque was built on land that originally belonged to the Shri Hari Har Temple. They believe the temple was partly destroyed by Emperor Babur's army in the 1500s. The petitioners say the temple is very important in Hindu religion and stories, as it was made by Lord Vishwakarma, a divine builder, at the start of creation.

The court asked for a survey to learn more about the history and religious background of the site. People who support the survey think it will help find the truth. However, others disagree, saying it goes against the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This law says all religious places must stay as they were on August 15, 1947, without any changes to their status.

Details of the petition

The court asked for a survey to learn more about the history and religious background of the site. People who support the survey think it will help find the truth. However, others disagree, saying it goes against the Places of Worship Act, 1991. This law says all religious places must stay as they were on August 15, 1947, without any changes to their status.

The survey was conducted as per the court’s orders and included videography and photography. The report is expected to be submitted by November 29.

What happened during the survey?

The survey was first scheduled for Tuesday but moved to Sunday to avoid disturbing prayer times. However, violence broke out when locals clashed with the police during the survey. Despite the chaos, officials finished the survey as planned. The police are now investigating, and those responsible for the violence could be charged under strict laws like the National Security Act (NSA).

3 Dead, Over 30 Cops Injured: Violence In UP's Sambhal Over Mosque Survey

The larger debate

The dispute over the Jama Masjid is part of a major discussion in India about religion and history. Sambhal is important to both Hindus and Muslims, making the issue even more delicate. Some people think these surveys help uncover history and reclaim important sites, but others feel they create divisions and take attention away from important problems like education, healthcare, and development.

The violence in Sambhal shows how religion, history, and politics are deeply connected in India. The ongoing legal fight over the Jama Masjid brings up important questions about how the country can honour its cultural heritage while also ensuring peace and progress. Right now, the priority is to keep the situation calm and to find out the true history of the Jama Masjid.