Do ‘ancient carvings, idols’ near Ram temple site vindicate archaeologist KK Muhammed’s Ayodhya findings?
Since the early '90s, KK Muhammed, one of the members of the ASI team that conducted the first excavation at Ayodhya, has maintained that enough evidence was found to suggest that a temple existed at the site.
KK Muhammed | Photo Credit: Twitter
Key Highlights
- The Archaeological Survey of India carried out its first excavation at the Ayodhya site in 1976-77
- Muhammed has noted that BB Lal's team discovered that 12 pillars of the mosque were actually built from the pre-existing structures that belonged to a temple
- Muhammed discussed finding terracotta sculptures in the shapes of human beings and animals, stating that these also pointed to the existence of a temple, since such depictions were forbidden in Islam
The excavation and construction work that only recently resumed at the Ram Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya has now led to a major archaeological discovery that lends credence to the stance of KK Muhammed, the former Regional Director of the Archaeological Survey of India. The General Secretary of the Sri Ram Janmabhoomi Tirth Kshetra Trust, Champat Rai announced that sandstone carvings, Shiv Lings and pillars were unearthed at the site.
This is in addition to the Vishva Hindu Parishad's (VHP) recent claims that several other objects have been found during excavation that suggest that a temple was demolished at the site. A spokesperson from VHP had previously stated that stone flowers, pitcher pots (Kalash), Aamalak and other artefacts had also been discovered.
The Archaeological Survey of India carried out its first excavation at the Ayodhya site in 1976-77. Its team consisted of Professor BB Lal, and twelve students from the the Institute of Archaeology in Delhi, including KK Muhammed. In the early 90's, Muhammed first made the claim that during the excavation, he found enough evidence to suggest that remains of a temple existed at the site.
Muhammed's claims have, over the last 30 years, been viewed with skepticism by many, however, following the Supreme Court's verdict last year, he noted that he was glad the apex court upheld the ASI excavation report.
What are KK Muhammed's claims?
Across several instances since the original excavation endeavour, Muhammed has maintained that the Babri Masjid mosque was built over the remains of a temple. He has noted that BB Lal's team discovered that 12 pillars of the mosque were actually built from the pre-existing structures that belonged to a temple.
In more recent interviews, he has spoken of identifying a 'Purna Kalasha' or water pitcher – an artefact commonly found in 12th and 13th century temples, and believed to be a symbol of prosperity in Hinduism.
Muhammed also discussed finding terracotta sculptures in the shapes of human beings and animals, stating that these also pointed to the existence of a temple, since such depictions were forbidden in Islam. He has also asserted that during the second excavataion, over 50 pillar bases across 17 rows were discovered, in addition to the 12 temple pillars found in the first.
Another structure, reportedly, found was a 'makara pranali' with a crocodile face. Crocodiles, he has said, were a symbol of the river Ganga, with such depictions found en route to the 'garbha griha' (sanctum sanctorum) of some temples. He has said that such an artefact is exclusively seen in temples.