Archaeological Survey of India

Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain recalled how helpless he felt when up to 50,000–60,000 Muslims, protesting the court-ordered video survey of the disputed structure in May 2022, surrounded his car

Let’s understand how the archaeologists determine the age, time and style of sculptures as well as what methods ASI will be using at the Gyanvapi survey site in Varanasi. 

The Gyanvapi survey, which began on 24th July, three days after the Varanasi district court order, was put on hold by the High Court as the matter was still being heard in the Supreme Court.

Supreme Court stayed ASI survey at the disputed Gyanvapi structure till 26th July 5 PM and asked the Muslim side's petitioner to approach High Court

The ASI team began the survey with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) which uses radar pulses to scan the upper surface.

Varanasi court announced its verdict over a petition seeking a scientific survey of the Gynvapi structure in Varanasi by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

Gyanvapi mosque Management Committee had approached SC opposing the Allahabad HC order that allowed the scientific survey of the Shivling found inside the Gyanvapi mosque to determine its age

This comes after the ASI submitted its report as sought by the High Court, which rebuked the ASI in April this year for its laxity in submitting its report on the feasibility of carbon dating the Shivling found inside the mosque.

Martand Sun Temple is an ASI protected monument which was built in the 8th century.

According to officials of the ASI, a notice for water tax and one for property tax has been issued. The ASI has been asked to pay around Rs 1.40 lakh and Rs 1 crore as water tax.