A survey conducted by the British 100 years ago found evidence that the Shahi Jama Masjid was a temple !

The case of Shri Harihar Temple at Sambhal (Uttar Pradesh)

Sambhal (U.P) – New information has emerged regarding the survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, which was previously the Shri Harihar Temple.

The administration claims that evidence of the Jama Masjid being a temple was found in a 150-year-old survey report from 1874. This report was prepared under the supervision of Major General A. Cunningham, a British engineer and the founder of the Archaeological Survey of India. It was compiled in 1874-75 by British archeologist Carlile, who worked within the Archaeological Survey of India. A legal case regarding this mosque is ongoing in court. A survey has been conducted as per the court’s order, but its report is yet to be released.

1.The report states that the beautiful dome of this building is perhaps unique among the similar domes. Its shape resembles the hollow interior of a massive ring. It appears that the building was transformed into a mosque using small bricks. Wherever the walls were free from plaster, I (Cunningham) observed that the bricks were small and set in a clay mortar.

2.There is a clear distinction between traditional Hindu construction and modern Muslim construction. Traditional Hindu temples appear different from Muslim architectural styles. The East-facing wall of the square-shaped Hindu temple originally had only one door, which was 8 feet wide. However, Muslims added 4 more doors. Each door is 6 feet wide, with 2 doors opened on the northern wall and 2 on the southern wall of the square-shaped temple.

3.The report states that the interior shape of the dome is oval or resembles a half-ellipse revolving around its axis. It also mentions that this dome is made of bricks and was rebuilt during the era of Prithviraj Chauhan. The current circular dome stands on an octagonal base. The central courtyard walls of the Hindu temple appear to be built with large bricks and covered with stone. However, the plaster applied on the walls conceals the underlying material. I believe that Muslims applied the plaster to cover the Hindu religious symbols present there.