A recent petition filed by Vishnu Gupta has reignited debates about the origins of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah in Rajasthan. Gupta cites historical references and demands an investigation into claims that a Shiva temple exists beneath the dargah. His petition is based on three key arguments, prominently referencing Harbilas Sharda’s 1911 book, Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive.
Key Arguments in the Petition
Reference to Harbilas Sharda’s Book
Harbilas Sharda, a retired judge, authored the book Ajmer: Historical and Descriptive in 1911. The 168-page text includes a dedicated chapter titled ‘Dargah Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti’, which offers intriguing observations about the dargah’s structure.
- Page 93: It mentions that the chhatri (umbrella-like structure) on the northern side of the Buland Darwaza’s third floor appears to be a remnant of a Hindu building. Sharda noted that intricate carvings on this chhatri’s surface were covered with lime and paint.
- Page 94: The red sandstone used in the chhatri is identified as being sourced from a Jain temple.
- Page 96: Sharda claims that subterranean vaults under the Buland Darwaza and the courtyard belonged to an ancient Hindu temple. He describes several rooms in these vaults that appear intact.
- Page 97: According to Hindu traditions, Sharda states, the vaults housed a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, where a Brahmin family used to offer sandalwood and water daily. This location is now associated with the ghariyali (bell ringer) of the dargah.
Petitioner’s Call for Investigation
Gupta argues that these descriptions merit a thorough investigation into the site. He suggests that the claims made by Sharda, along with the architectural evidence, indicate the dargah’s possible construction over a pre-existing Hindu temple.
Historical Context and Controversy
The Ajmer Sharif Dargah, built in honor of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti, a revered Sufi saint, has been a site of immense spiritual significance for centuries. However, claims of its origins as a Hindu or Jain temple are not new. These debates often emerge from differing historical interpretations and communal narratives.
While Sharda’s observations provide a detailed account of the site’s architectural elements, modern historians stress the importance of verifying these claims through archaeological investigations rather than relying solely on textual references.
Summing Up
The claims surrounding the Ajmer Sharif Dargah reflect the complexity of India’s layered history. Whether or not these assertions hold archaeological validity, they highlight the need for dialogue and scientific inquiry. As debates continue, it is crucial to approach such sensitive topics with respect for all faiths and a commitment to historical truth.