Why In The News?

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed that the existing structure at the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district was built using remnants of an earlier temple.

Key Points:

=> The ASI’s report revealed that the pillars and pilasters of the current structure, which were originally part of a temple, have been mutilated.

=> The survey employed ground-penetrating radar and other archaeological methods over three months and found that the temple dated back to the Paramara dynasty period.

=> Hindu deities’ images were found on the pillars, many of which were defaced to conform to mosque requirements.

=> Additionally, inscriptions from the 13th century CE were discovered.

=> The ASI also referenced historical accounts of the temple’s conversion into a mosque by the Khilji king Mahmud in 1455 CE.