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• The 13th century Bhojshala-Kamal Maula complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district is contested by Hindus and Muslims as the Vagdevi temple and Kamal Maula Masjid, respectively.

Bhojshala: A Historic Monument in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh

Location and Name Origin

• Located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, the Bhojshala is named after King Bhoja of the Paramāra dynasty, known for his patronage of education and the arts.

Architecture and History

• The building's architectural elements date mainly to the 12th century, with Islamic tombs added in the 14th and 15th centuries.
• It is protected as a Monument of National Importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Current Status and Usage

• Both Hindus and Muslims use the site for prayers, with specific days allocated for each group.
• The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Rules 1959 govern its administration.

Terminology

• The term "Bhojśālā" became linked to the building in the early 20th century, based on inscriptions found at the site by K. K. Lele.

Significance of King Bhoja

• King Bhoja is revered for his patronage of arts and education, with many Sanskrit works attributed to him.

Exploration and Inscriptions

• Early colonial scholars and administrators studied the inscriptions at the site, which include verses praising the Tortoise incarnation of Viṣṇu and a drama inscription.

Social Tensions and Legal Issues

• Tensions arise when Hindu and Muslim prayer days coincide, leading to occasional disturbances.
• Legal challenges to the site's status have occurred, with the most recent challenge in 2024.

Conclusion

• The Bhojshala's historical and cultural significance, coupled with its architectural beauty, make it an important heritage site in India, reflecting the rich history and cultural heritage of the region.

Paramara Dynasty The Paramara dynasty, was a prominent medieval Indian dynasty that ruled central India between the 9th and 14th centuries. They are best known for their rule over the Malwa region, with their capital initially at Ujjain and later at Dhar and Mandu. The founder of the Paramara dynasty was king Upendra or Krishnaraja  The Paramaras were staunch patrons of art, literature, and culture, with King Bhoja being one of their most celebrated rulers, known for his patronage of learning and the arts. The dynasty produced a remarkable literary and architectural legacy, including the construction of numerous temples and monuments, such as the famous temples at Khajuraho. The Paramaras also played a significant role in the political and cultural history of India, contributing to the development of regional art and architecture, as well as Sanskrit literature. The Harsola copper plates (949 CE) suggest a potential ancestral link between the Paramara and Rashtrakuta dynasties, as theorized by historian D.C. Ganguly. The earliest extant Paramara inscriptions, issued by the 10th-century ruler Siyaka, have been found in Gujarat. The dynasty reached its zenith under Munja's nephew Bhoja, whose empire extended from Chittor in the north to Konkan in the south, and from the Sabarmati River in the west to Vidisha in the east.

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Describe the various strategies and measures that can be adopted to address the long-standing issue of religious sites contested by multiple religions in India, offering potential solutions to mitigate conflicts and promote harmony among communities.

SOURCE: THE HINDU