Chambers in the destroyed temple beneath Aurangzeb’s construction in Gyanvapi were intentionally filled with debris to block access to Hindus and eliminate any hope they may have to worship there. Holes were made in the ceilings of these cellars to fill them up with debris, the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) said in its report to the court after surveying the disputed site in Varanasi. It also said that the entrances to these cellars and other chambers of the temple were blocked by placing stone slabs.
The full ASI report, which was accessed by The Commune Magazine, confirms that there was a temple that was destroyed and its materials reused to build a mosque in its place. On January 25, the lawyer representing the Hindu side, Vishnu Shankar Jain, revealed it partially in a press conference.
“All the four entrances of Cellar S3, in its eastern wall, were blocked by filling soil or keeping stones and architectural members. Two of these entrances were opened to enter cells of S3 for examining the cellar. On entering into these cells it was noticed that they were deliberately filled with soil and debris by making a hole in their ceilings. The debris was filled in from these holes, and entrances were blocked temporarily by putting stone slabs, architectural members, etc,” the report said.
The report also said this debris was a significant hindrance “in any scientific investigation/ survey.”
The amassed debris posed a significant obstacle, obscuring the study area and impeding scientific exploration. Notably, the report mentions that entrances to several chambers, including the central chamber of the temple, were sealed by stone masonry.
“The western entrance of the southern chamber of the pre-existing structure has also been blocked and converted into an arrow staircase to climb to the roof. Its entrance from the southwest side has been blocked by stone masonry, but one can still enter them from the roof.”
Clearing debris from the surface during the excavation process presented a series of challenges. The team discovered that two cellars were intentionally blocked with debris, and the entrances were obstructed.
“The study area was obscured by accumulation of large quantities of debris on all sides. The accumulated debris was a big hindrance in any scientific investigation/ survey and getting meaningful results from them.”
However, when the debris was successfully removed, several artefacts were unearthed, including a Shivling, a miniature temple, and other significant finds.
The team also had to utilise household and garden equipment for debris removal after seeking the agreement of the involved parties. Yet, the challenge of debris disposal intensified due to limited open spaces within the fenced area.
“The disposal of debris removed from the surface was another inherent issue. Since the open spaces within the fenced area is very less and the fact that every part needed to be cleaned created the issue of disposal of debris. District administration was approached to earmark spaces adjoining the fence to the west and east so that debris can be removed from the fenced area.”
However, challenges in the east necessitated the creation of a funnel-shaped receptacle with a channel for efficient debris removal, especially due to the absence of a gate.
The ASI reported that the High Court directive to limit the investigation to surface study without excavation added another layer of complexity. The sensitive nature of the case also led to widespread media coverage of the survey team and its day-to-day activities. Though the media did not have access to the area under investigation or its neighbouring area, the team worked under constant media glare.
“However, the judiciary intervened in the matter and forbade any press reporting on the team’s daily activities,” the report said.
Security check posts and narrow passages further complicated swift movement around the site, requiring labour-intensive measures for load transfer.
“The cellars below the open platform had localised ambient weather conditions. The south cellars had only one entrance to the south, and it was similar to the north cellars. There were no light and no electricity connections in either of them.”
The team battled adverse weather conditions, ranging from scorching sun and high temperatures to monsoon-induced humidity. Dark and humid cellars lacking electricity initially posed challenges, but the team adapted using torch lights and reflectors. Protective measures against rainwater and muddy slush were devised, though they impacted work speed.
“South cellar, in particular, was full of discarded materials of various kinds, which made even stepping onto the surface a difficult task. For the first few days team worked in the cellars with torch light and reflectors to illuminate the interior. The humidity within the cellars was much higher than on the outside. The lack of air circulation within was another issue. Since the north cellars were under lock and key the level of humidity within was comparatively higher than the south.”
Storage challenges for equipment, tools, and materials were addressed by modifying vacant security check posts within the fenced area. A camp office within the temple complex served as a storage hub and a resting area during breaks, as suggested by the local administration.
“With the onset of monsoons, preventing the accumulation of rainwater and run of muddy slush was a significant issue. The use of tirpal was made to protect the exposed structures after debris cleaning and prevent accumulation of water in open areas. The water-sogged debris would present another challenge along with the slippery surface. Work speed was affected considerably,” the report said.
The persistent threat of monkeys added another layer of complexity, disrupting movement and the work area, particularly during monsoons when they tore up trails after the day’s work.
Despite these challenges, the team adhered to the court’s directives. They conducted a systematic scientific investigation and survey, meticulously documenting Settlement Plot No. 9130.
The incredible tale of how the Archaeological Survey of India triumphed over many challenges to carry out and present the court-mandated survey on Gyanvapi is genuinely awe-inspiring. It merits the gratitude of the Hindu community. Despite facing arduous working conditions and harsh weather at the disputed site, the team’s unwavering dedication ensured no obstacle hindered their efficiency.
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