29 November, 2024; An Ajmer court in Rajasthan has issued a notice to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the central government regarding a petition that claims a Shiva temple lies beneath the famous Ajmer Sharif Dargah. The petitioners argue that the temple, which they assert was destroyed centuries ago, was the foundation upon which the mosque was built.
The petition, filed by a group of individuals, alleges that the Dargah was constructed on the ruins of a Hindu temple, which they say was demolished during the medieval period. The petition seeks the intervention of the ASI and the central government to investigate the matter further, with claims that archaeological evidence will support their assertions.
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah committee has strongly condemned these allegations, describing them as divisive and harmful to communal harmony. The committee, which manages the revered shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, emphasized that the claims were a distortion of history and a threat to the peace between communities.
Political leaders have also weighed in, with opposition parties criticizing the move. Many have labeled it as part of a broader effort to target and undermine the Muslim community. Some view this as an attempt to politicize religious matters, particularly in a region known for its diverse and peaceful coexistence.
The next hearing in this case is scheduled for December 20th, and it is expected to bring more clarity on the court’s stance and the future course of action. As the legal process unfolds, the dispute is likely to spark further debate on the intersection of history, religion, and politics in modern India.
