Allahabad High Court Takes A step Towards Resolving The Age-Old Dispute With A Scientific Approach

Allahabad High Court Orders Scientific Survey and Carbon Dating of Alleged 'Shivling' at Gyanvapi Mosque Complex

May 12, 2023 - 16:35
May 12, 2023 - 16:36
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Allahabad High Court Takes A step Towards Resolving The Age-Old Dispute With A Scientific Approach
Gyanvapi Mosque

In a significant development, the Allahabad High Court has overturned a lower court's decision and directed a "scientific survey" to determine the authenticity and age of the disputed 'shivling' at the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.The court has ordered carbon dating to be conducted on the sacred object, shedding light on the contentious issue that has been a subject of debate for years. 

The counsel representing the petitioners, Vishnu Shankar Jain, expressed the need for a scientific survey to ascertain whether the object in question is genuinely a 'shivling' or something else entirely. This move aims to provide an unbiased and conclusive answer to the religious significance of the structure. 

To carry out the scientific examination, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) submitted a detailed report in a sealed cover, emphasizing the significance of carbon dating. Carbon dating is a widely-accepted method used to determine the age of organic material that was once alive. While the ASI's report mentioned the challenges of radiocarbon dating rock material due to the absence of atmospheric-derived 14C, it proposed an alternative approach. By analyzing the binding material used in the construction of the 'shivling,' the age of the binder can be determined, shedding light on any modifications made at later stages. 

Notably, a report from Live Law highlights the interesting observation that the 'shivling' has a top part divided into five sectors. If it is discovered that these parts were added later using binding material such as plant products, cement, or mortar, the age of the binder could provide insights into the age of the religious symbol or any subsequent modifications. 

While the court's order allows for a scientific investigation, it also ensures the preservation and protection of the structure throughout the process. Authorities have been directed to take necessary precautions to prevent any harm to the object, which is claimed to be a 'shivling.' The mosque authorities argue that it is part of a fountain in the 'wazu khana,' where ablutions are performed before namaz. 

The Allahabad High Court's decision to employ a scientific survey and carbon dating represents a step toward resolving the age-old dispute surrounding the 'shivling' at the Gyanvapi mosque complex. By applying modern scientific techniques, the court aims to provide an evidence-based understanding of the structure's origins and significance, fostering a more informed and inclusive dialogue between communities involved. 

As the scientific investigation commences, all eyes are on the results of the carbon dating analysis, which could potentially provide a significant breakthrough in resolving the long-standing dispute surrounding the Gyanvapi mosque complex in Varanasi.

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