Sambhal Jama Masjid History: Complete history of the 16th century Sambhal Jama Masjid, what is the root of the controversy?

Sambhal Jama Masjid History: The controversial history of the 16th century Sambhal Jama Masjid, know the unheard and shocking things related to it!

History of Sambhal Jama Masjid | Image: Social Media

Sambhal Jama Masjid History: The violence that took place during the survey of Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh has disturbed everyone. Four people died in this violence and more than 20 policemen were injured. Videos and audios of the rioters have also emerged as evidence in the case, on the basis of which the police is taking action against the rioters. So far 29 people have been arrested in the case, including two women.

Now the thing to understand here is what is this entire controversy about? Why is a survey being conducted of the Jama Masjid of Sambhal? What claims is the Hindu side making? What are the claims of the Muslim side? Was the place in Sambhal where the controversy is happening today a Harihar temple earlier? If it was, where did it go or was it a mosque from the beginning? Let us know the entire history of the Jama Masjid of Sambhal.

Where is Shahi Jama Masjid?

Shahi Jama Masjid is built on a high mound in the center of Sambhal city within Mohalla Kot Purvi, which is the largest building in the vicinity. This building was declared protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1920, after which it is also considered a building of national importance. Most of the Hindu population lives in front of the main gate of Jama Masjid of Sambhal, while people of the Muslim community are settled around the back wall of the mosque.

What is the history of Jama Masjid of Sambhal?

The Jama Masjid of Sambhal is one of the three mosques built during Babur's five-year reign between 1526 and 1530. The other two mosques were the Panipat mosque and the Babri Masjid demolished in Ayodhya. Sambhal is a Muslim-majority city today, but it finds a separate mention in Hindu scriptures. It is said that during the time of severe Kalyug, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Kalki, will appear here. He will end Kalyug and start a new era. It is being discussed in the current situation of Sambhal because it has been claimed that the place where the Jama Masjid is built in Sambhal was built by demolishing a temple. In 1527-28, Babur's commander partially demolished the Shri Harihar temple.

Jama Masjid or Harihar Temple in Sambhal?

Regarding the Jama Masjid of Sambhal, the Hindu side claims that the Jama Masjid was built by demolishing the Harihar temple. The Muslim side rejects the claims of the Hindu side regarding the Jama Masjid. The recent battle is being fought legally, in which work is being done on the survey order of the mosque from the court. Hindu side lawyer Gopal Sharma said that in the petition he has mentioned two books including Baburnama. According to lawyer Gopal Sharma, in the petition filed in the court of Civil Judge Senior Division, he has also mentioned the book 'Baburnama' and 'Ain-e-Akbari', which confirms the existence of Harihar temple. He claimed that this temple was demolished by Babar in 1529 and now the hearing of this case is on January 29. Sharma said that after the report of the 'Advocate Commission' comes, he will decide his further action.

A case regarding Jama Masjid was filed by Vishnu Shankar Jain in the court of Civil Judge of Sambhal. There are 8 plaintiffs including Supreme Court lawyer Harishankar Jain and Mahant Rishiraj Giri of Kela Devi Temple. The plaintiffs have made the Government of India, the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Sambhal Jama Masjid Committee parties to the dispute.

The petition said- 'The mosque was originally a Harihar temple, which was converted into a mosque in 1529. The temple was demolished by Mughal emperor Babur in 1529. It is mentioned in the book Baburnama and Ain-e-Akbari that the place where the Jama Masjid is built, there used to be a Harihar temple. This is an Archaeological Survey of India protected area. There can be no encroachment of any kind in it.'

The Muslim side is citing the Place of Worship Act

The Muslim side also believes that the Jama Masjid was built by Babar and Muslims have been offering prayers in it till date. However, the Muslim side registers its protest in the legal dispute on the basis of the 1991 order of the Supreme Court, in which the court had said that whatever religious places are in whatever condition since 15 August 1947, they will remain at their places. The Supreme Court had also emphasized on this during the Ayodhya verdict. Through this, the Muslim side claims its right over the Jama Masjid of Sambhal and has termed the claims of the Hindu side and any other judicial proceedings as a disregard of the law.