Uncovering the truth behind claims of a temple and the rich legacy of one of Asia’s most gold-encrusted mosques
Mohammad Alamullah | Clarion India
ALIGARH -– In a fresh development in the disputes surrounding religious sites in India, Aligarh’s historic Jama Masjid has become the subject of renewed controversy. A claim has resurfaced alleging that the mosque was constructed on the site of an ancient Shiva temple.
The issue has been brought to court by RTI activist and local leader Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam, who recently filed a petition in the Civil Judge Court seeking legal intervention to investigate the claim. The case is set for its first hearing on February 15, drawing significant public and media attention.
This latest petition adds to the ongoing debates over the history and ownership of religious sites across the country, sparking discussions about the interplay of faith, heritage, and legal jurisdiction.
Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam argues that the Jama Masjid stands on the site of a Hindu Shiva temple, a claim he insists is substantiated by documents he has obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Gautam’s petition refers to the possibility of a Buddhist stupa, Jain temple, or Shiva temple being located at the site of the mosque before its construction. He believes the documents from the Archaeological Department and the Municipal Corporation suggest such a historical presence.
According to Gautam, the Municipal Corporation’s response to his RTI query indicates that the land on which the mosque stands was government property, and there is no record of its construction, fuelling his claims that the site had a religious significance prior to the mosque.
However, historians and locals are quick to refute Gautam’s allegations, arguing that the Jama Masjid has a rich and well-documented history. Professor Muhammad Waseem Raja, a prominent historian at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), dismisses the claim that a Hindu temple once existed at the site. Raja, speaking exclusively to Clarion India, explained that the mosque was built in the 18th century by five successive emperors, starting with Qutubuddin Aibak, as part of a series of Islamic architectural expansions.
“According to Akhbar al-Jamal, a historical account by Raja Muhammad in 1740, there is no mention of a Hindu, Jain, or Buddhist temple at the site of the mosque. The mosque has always been part of Islamic architecture, and its construction was completed in 1728,” said Raja.
He also pointed out that there was no reference to any temple in the historical accounts of the region, particularly those written by scholars like Professor Jamal Muhammad Siddiqui, who researched Aligarh’s history extensively.
Raja emphasized that the Jama Masjid was built atop a mound in the Upper Kot area, a strategic location chosen by Qutubuddin Aibak after his conquest of the region. Over time, successive rulers, including Iltimash, Nasruddin Mahmud, Ibrahim Lodi, and Sabit Khan, contributed to its renovation and expansion. The mosque’s iconic three doors and 17 domes, each adorned with white marble, are a testament to Islamic artistic influence.
Built in a distinctly Islamic style, the Jama Masjid boasts an impressive structure. The mosque’s golden domes and minarets are often a subject of awe. Locals estimate that six quintals of gold have been used to cover the domes and minarets, making it one of the most gold-encrusted mosques in Asia. The grandeur of the mosque also features 17 domes, with two domes placed at each of the three main doors, and a capacity to accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at a time. It remains a vital site of worship for Muslims, with special provisions for women’s prayers.
Councilor Musharraf Mehjar Hussain pointed out that the mosque’s high elevation offers an unparalleled view of Aligarh, making it one of the most visually striking landmarks in the city. He noted that the mosque has been standing for over 300 years and remains a symbol of Islamic heritage in the region.
The mosque is also linked to the 1857 War of Independence, with 73 graves of martyrs who fought for India’s freedom during the uprising. Known as Ganj Shaheedan or the “settlement of martyrs,” these graves represent a poignant chapter in India’s colonial history, adding to the mosque’s rich heritage.
In fact, the mosque gained wider recognition when it was featured on the popular Indian TV show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Actor Amitabh Bachchan posed a question about India’s most gold-covered religious place, where the answer was Aligarh’s Jama Masjid.
While the historical facts surrounding the Jama Masjid remain clear, some local residents view the recent petition as an attempt to destabilize the peace in the region. Haji Muhammad Samiullah, Makhdoom Ahmed, and councilor Musharraf Mehjar Hussain all voiced their concerns over the potential consequences of such claims. They believe that these disputes are being used by certain elements to sow discord and undermine the unity that exists between Hindus and Muslims in Aligarh and the country as a whole.
“These claims are baseless and unsubstantiated. They are being propagated by a group of people who are trying to disrupt the peace and harmony between communities. These are the same people who want to create divisions in the country for cheap popularity,” said Samiullah.
Makhdoom Ahmed, another local resident, echoed these sentiments, calling the legal petition an attack on the centuries-old Hindu-Muslim unity in India. “The Jama Masjid is a symbol of this unity. We must protect our heritage and stand together against divisive forces,” he said.
Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam, the plaintiff in the case, has been vocal about his belief that the Jama Masjid was built on the site of a Hindu fort. However, his claims have been met with skepticism. Gautam has also made accusations about the mosque being built on “fake documents.” Local Muslim leaders, including Councilor Musharraf Mehjar Hussain, argue that these claims are politically motivated and designed to inflame religious tensions.
“This is not about history or truth; it’s about stirring up conflict. These false narratives are damaging to the social fabric of Aligarh and India,” said Hussain.
Despite the claims, historians like Professor Raja remain resolute in their defense of the mosque’s Islamic heritage. He emphasized that the Jama Masjid was built, renovated, and maintained by multiple Muslim emperors, with no historical evidence linking the site to any Hindu or Jain temple.
The ongoing debate over the Jama Masjid’s history is a reminder of the larger issues of religious harmony in India. As the case moves forward in court, both sides continue to present their arguments. What is certain, however, is the need for all communities to prioritize peace, understanding, and respect for history.
Aligarh’s Jama Masjid stands as a historical and cultural symbol of the region, one that has withstood the test of time. Whether the current claims hold any merit remains to be seen, but it is crucial that the conversation remains grounded in facts, with the larger goal of maintaining harmony and unity in Aligarh and beyond.