The Truth About Sambhal: A Historical Analysis of the Controversy Surrounding the "Mosque"
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The Truth About Sambhal: A Historical Analysis of the Controversy Surrounding the "Mosque" |
Sambhal, a town of immense historical and religious significance in India, has recently been at the center of a heated controversy. Muslims and certain liberal factions have claimed that the Jama Masjid in Sambhal is a historical mosque built by the Mughal emperor Babur in the 16th century. However, a closer examination of historical records, archaeological surveys, and literary evidence paints a very different picture. The claim that Babur built this mosque is not only baseless but also demonstrably false.
The Religious and Historical Significance of Sambhal
Sambhal holds a revered place in Hindu tradition. The Mahabharata (3.189) mentions Sambhala as the prophesied birthplace of Kalki, the future avatara of Lord Vishnu who is destined to end the Kali Yuga and restore Dharma. Similarly, the Skanda Purana explicitly refers to a Vishnu temple in Sambhala, underscoring the town's importance as a center of Hindu worship.
This historical significance is further reinforced by Abul Fazl’s Ain-i-Akbari, written in the late 16th century. Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar, describes Sambhal in detail and specifically mentions the presence of a Vishnu temple in the town. Notably, he makes no reference to any mosque attributed to Babur, indicating that no such structure existed at the time.
Babur’s Silence in the Baburnama
If Babur had indeed constructed a mosque in Sambhal, it would have been a significant event worthy of mention in the Baburnama, Babur’s own memoir. Yet, there is no mention of such a mosque in his writings. This conspicuous absence raises serious doubts about the veracity of the claim that Babur built the mosque.
The Forged "Babur Inscription"
The first documented claim linking Babur to the Sambhal mosque appears much later during the colonial period. The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) records provide crucial insights into this controversy. In 1871–72, British archaeologist Campbell Carlyle surveyed the region and examined the so-called “Jama Masjid” of Sambhal. His findings, published in 1879, are revealing.
Carlyle noted that local Muslims attributed the mosque's construction to Babur. However, upon investigation, he discovered that the inscription naming Babur was a forgery. Muslims in the area admitted that they had not gained possession of the site until the 1850s. Furthermore, the mosque’s architectural features suggested that the structure was originally a Hindu temple. Carlyle highlighted these inconsistencies and exposed the fraudulent claims.
Court Disputes and Fraudulent Takeover
In the 19th century, Hindus attempted to reclaim the site through legal means. However, Muslims, who were in the majority in Sambhal at the time, won the case by bearing false witness. The historical records suggest that this was part of a broader pattern of temple usurpation during the colonial period, as tensions between communities intensified under British policies.
The Archeological Evidence
The architectural elements of the building provide further proof of its origins as a Hindu temple. Key features such as intricately carved pillars, motifs, and foundational designs align with Hindu temple architecture and bear no resemblance to structures typically commissioned by Babur or his successors.
Implications Under the Places of Worship Act, 1991
The Places of Worship Act, 1991, was enacted to preserve the religious character of sites as they stood on August 15, 1947. While this act is often cited to prevent disputes, its application to cases like Sambhal is deeply contentious. The act’s intent was to maintain peace, but it also inadvertently protects fraudulent claims, as it freezes the status of religious sites regardless of their historical origins.
Conclusion
The Sambhal mosque controversy is not just a debate over bricks and mortar; it is a question of historical integrity and justice. The evidence—literary, archaeological, and legal—overwhelmingly supports the claim that the site was originally a Hindu temple of great significance. The false narrative of a Babur-built mosque has been perpetuated through forgery and legal manipulation.
As Sambhal continues to garner attention, it is essential to approach its history with an open mind and a commitment to uncovering the truth. The story of Sambhal is a reminder of the need to preserve and respect India’s rich heritage, while also ensuring that historical wrongs are addressed with fairness and accuracy.
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