In a landmark judgment on the long-standing Bhojshala-Kamal Maula Mosque dispute in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district, the Indore Bench of the Madhya Pradesh High Court ruled that the religious character of the disputed complex is that of a temple dedicated to Maa Vagdevi Saraswati. The court delivered its verdict on May 15, 2026, relying on the scientific survey report of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and several historical records. The High Court also rejected the Muslim side’s plea seeking the right to offer namaz at the site and dismissed petitions filed by the Jain community regarding ownership and religious claims over the structure. At the same time, the court observed that the Muslim community may approach the state government for alternative land if it wishes to construct a separate religious site. The Bhojshala dispute has remained one of the most debated religious and historical issues in central India for decades. The case revolves around the question of whether the structure in Dhar is originally a Saraswati temple and educational centre established during the rule of King Bhoj or a mosque known as the Kamal Maula Masjid. According to Hindu organisations, Bhojshala was an ancient temple and centre of Sanskrit learning dedicated to Maa Saraswati. They claim that the structure was damaged during Islamic invasions and later converted into a mosque-like complex using remains of the original temple. On the other hand, the Muslim side argued that the structure had been used as a mosque for centuries and that prayers had been regularly offered there. The Muslim petitioners requested the continuation of namaz rights inside the premises. Historians have long associated Bhojshala with the 11th-century Paramara ruler Raja Bhoj, who is known for promoting education, literature, and culture in the Malwa region. Historical accounts describe Bhojshala as a major centre for Sanskrit studies, grammar, and classical literature. The dispute gained fresh momentum after the High Court ordered a scientific survey of the site on March 11, 2024. Following the order, the Archaeological Survey of India conducted a detailed survey from March 22, 2024, for nearly 98 days. On July 15, 2024, the ASI submitted a 2,100-page report before the court. The ASI report became a crucial piece of evidence in the case. According to the findings, a large Paramara-era structure existed at the site before the present building. The survey reportedly discovered carved red sandstone pillars, inscriptions in Sanskrit and Prakrit, remains of assembly halls, yajna kunds, and symbols connected with Hindu deities. The report further stated that several human and animal figures carved on pillars and walls appeared to have been intentionally damaged. ASI also claimed that parts of the current structure had been built using remains of the earlier temple complex. The inscriptions found during the survey reportedly included Sanskrit alphabets, grammatical rules, and passages from the classical Sanskrit drama “Karpurmanjari.” References to Paramara ruler Naravarman were also identified. The ASI described the site as a major centre of literary and educational activity during medieval India. Regular hearings in the matter began before the division bench of the Indore High Court on April 6, 2026. Arguments continued until May 12, with Hindu, Muslim, and Jain parties presenting their claims, historical documents, and legal submissions. The Hindu side, represented by advocates including Vishnu Shankar Jain and Vinay Joshi, argued that the architectural features, temple symbols, Sanskrit inscriptions, and historical records clearly established the site as a Saraswati temple. They also informed the court that Basant Panchami worship had been taking place there for years. The Muslim side maintained that the site functioned as the Kamal Maula Mosque for centuries and that religious rights related to namaz should continue. The Jain community also submitted claims connecting the structure to Jain history, but the court dismissed those petitions. In its judgment, the High Court stated that the evidence presented by the ASI and historical records strongly supported the conclusion that Bhojshala’s original religious identity was linked to Maa Vagdevi Saraswati. The court also clarified that the site would continue to remain protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. The bench ruled that the premises cannot be treated as a mosque for the purpose of offering namaz. However, the court added that the Muslim community has the constitutional right to seek alternative land from the state government for religious purposes. The court also commented on the idol of Maa Vagdevi currently preserved in a museum in London. It observed that the matter regarding the return of the idol to India remains under consideration by the Central Government. The present legal chapter of the dispute began in 2022 when petitioner Ranjana Agnihotri and others, representing Hindu Front for Justice, approached the High Court seeking a declaration of the site’s religious character and full worship rights for Hindus. Earlier, the survey order had been challenged in the Supreme Court by the Maulana Kamaluddin Welfare Society. On April 1, 2024, the Supreme Court allowed the survey but directed that no changes should be made to the structure and that excavation remain limited in scope. Bhojshala has been a protected monument since 1951. Over the decades, the site became a centre of religious and political tension. Administrative arrangements allowed Hindus to worship on Tuesdays and Muslims to offer namaz on Fridays between 1 pm and 3 pm. The dispute intensified during the Ayodhya movement and later became a major political issue in Madhya Pradesh. Several incidents of tension, protests, and clashes were reported over the years, especially during Basant Panchami celebrations. Following the verdict, the Madhya Pradesh government stated that the judgment should not be viewed as anyone’s victory or defeat. The state government said the decision could help strengthen peace and social harmony in the region. The government also clarified that any party dissatisfied with the ruling has the constitutional right to approach the Supreme Court. Legal experts believe the matter may now move to the apex court if the Muslim side decides to challenge the High Court judgment. Meanwhile, Hindu organisations have demanded regular worship rights and installation of Maa Vagdevi’s idol at Bhojshala. Muslim groups have said they will study the judgment carefully before deciding their next legal step. The Bhojshala dispute, which has remained at the centre of legal, historical, political, and religious debate for nearly seven decades, has now entered a new phase after the High Court’s ruling. However, the final legal position may only become clear after possible proceedings before the Supreme Court. Pls Read : NCWEB Lakshmibai College Centre Hosts Annual Festival and Prize