In a significant development, an RTI activist has filed a petition in the Civil Court of Aligarh, raising allegations that the historic Jama Masjid in the city was constructed on lands where Buddhist, Jain, and Hindu temples once stood. This claim has reignited discussions surrounding the origins of heritage sites and their historical narratives.
The activist, Pandit Keshav Dev Gautam, bases his claims on responses received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act from various government departments, including the Aligarh Municipal Corporation. His petition seeks legal intervention to establish the truth behind the mosque’s origins and challenges the current management of the site.
Jama Masjid Aligarh Petition
Civil Judge Gajendra Singh has acknowledged the petition and scheduled a hearing for February 15. Speaking to reporters, Gautam expressed confidence in the evidence gathered through his RTI applications. “I have been filing queries with several government departments regarding the origins of Jama Masjid, which, according to historical records, was constructed in the early 18th century,” he said.
Located in the Upper Kot area, a densely populated, Muslim-majority locality in Aligarh, the Jama Masjid has stood as an architectural and religious symbol for centuries. However, Gautam’s claims, if proven, could alter the public perception of its history.
The core of Gautam’s petition lies in information obtained from the Aligarh Municipal Corporation. One specific RTI response allegedly states that the mosque was “built on public land without government approval.” Gautam argues that this revelation undermines the legal standing of the mosque’s management committee and justifies governmental intervention.
The activist has called for the state to take over the site and evaluate the historical claims. The petition, bearing the official stamp of the oath commissioner, emphasizes the need for transparency and accountability in addressing such allegations.
Historical Context of Jama Masjid
Constructed in the early 1700s, the Jama Masjid of Aligarh is a prominent example of Islamic architecture. Over the centuries, it has served as a center of worship and community activities. Its location in the heart of Aligarh’s old city underscores its cultural and historical significance.
However, the region’s history is layered with periods of Buddhist, Jain, Hindu, and Islamic dominance. The allegations of the mosque’s construction over previous temple sites echo similar claims made in other parts of India, highlighting the complex interplay of religion, politics, and history.
The petition’s implications extend beyond the confines of the courtroom. If the claims are substantiated, it could lead to significant changes in the management and ownership of the Jama Masjid site. Gautam’s demand for governmental control aims to ensure impartiality in investigating these historical assertions.
Local reactions to the petition have been mixed. While some residents support the call for transparency, others view it as an attempt to disrupt communal harmony. Community leaders have urged restraint and dialogue, emphasizing the need to preserve peace in the region.
Debate on Historical Hindu Temples
Gautam’s petition is part of a larger national conversation about the historical origins of religious structures. Similar cases have been filed in courts across India, often leading to prolonged legal battles and heated public debates.
Experts argue that while uncovering historical truths is essential, such efforts should be conducted responsibly to avoid inflaming tensions. “We must approach these matters with sensitivity, ensuring that the quest for historical accuracy does not harm societal cohesion,” said a historian from Aligarh Muslim University.
As the Civil Court prepares to hear the case in February, the focus will remain on the veracity of Gautam’s claims and the potential impact on the Jama Masjid’s legacy. Regardless of the outcome, this case underscores the importance of balancing historical inquiry with present-day social harmony.
