While the Gyanvapi Mosque row is brewing in Varanasi, another row has simmered in Srirangapatna, Mandya in Karnataka. Named after the Prime Minister himself, the Narendra Modi Vichar Manch is seeking to allow Hindus to pray at the Srirangapatna mosque claiming that a Hanuman temple stood before it was razed by Tipu Sultan.
Tipu Sultan built the Jamia Masjid in 1782, approximately 120 kilometres from Bengaluru. The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) maintains the Jamia Masjid and operates a Madrassa.
Jamia Masjid
Image Source: Free Press Journal
The group sent a to the Mandya district administration to put forth their demands. The Manch’s state secretary, CT Manjunath, was also part of the delegation. They met with Mandya Deputy Commissioner and submitted a memorandum which sought permission to allow Hindus to offer prayers at the masjid.
According to the group, a Hanuman temple stood in the place of the Jamia Masjid, and documentary evidence was present. According to the evidence, Tipu Sultan agreed in writing with a Persian ruler that a temple stood before the mosque, with Hindu inscriptions on the walls and pillars.
Former Karnataka Minister, KS Eshwarappa, claimed that Muslim leaders accepted that a temple existed before the mosque was built. While speaking with reporters, he said, “Around 36,000 temples were demolished/damaged during the Mughal rule. We will reclaim all the temples in accordance with the Supreme Court’s ruling without creating any trouble.” Mr Eshwarappa was involved in a case where a contract died by suicide and he was held responsible.
KS Eshwarappa
Image Source: India Today
References: The Indian Express
Featured image source: Boom Live
