Gyanvapi Mosque ASI Survey Report 2023 Vol 2 : Scientific Studies – contain the documents and facts that were used before the Varanasi Court to validate the facts that were provided by both the parties. This is the second part following Volume 1: Structures, the other two volumes are namely Volume 3: Objects and Volume 4: Illustrations.
Table of Contents
2.0 Scientific Studies
2.1 Cleaning Operation and Finds
2.2 Scientific Investigations/ Survey
2.3 X-Ray Fluorescence Report
2.4 Ground Penetration Radar Survey
2.5 Condition Report
2.6 Field Laboratory
2.7 Relative Humidity and Temperature
Cleaning Operation and Finds at Gyanvapi Mosque ASI Survey Report
In compliance of the order of Hon’ble District Court, Varanasi, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) carried out scientific investigations in the Settlement Plot No. 9130 at Varanasi. During the initial survey it was apparent that large quantity of debris had accumulated against the walls, and cellars. The accumulated debris had concealed the architectural features of the western wall and floors all around.
Similarly, cellars too were filled up with all kinds of assorted materials that created hindrance.
The entire stretch of land in front of the western wall within the fenced area was overgrown with rank vegetation. It was difficult to observe the surface features. Work on the site was started with removing of the wild vegetation so that the nature of accumulation could be ascertained. After cleaning, brickbats, hardened cement mortar, plastic bags, broken glass and other modern materials were noticed on the surface. It was not a homogeneous deposit rather a heap of discarded things dumped over a period of time.
In the southern side, the lower level was completely covered with debris of discarded plastics and assortment of religious paraphernalia that were dumped within the area through the fence grills. Some huge stone blocks could be seen within the accumulation. Almost similar was the nature of the accumulation in the eastern side as well. It also has an open drain from the existing structure which was overflowing. In the northern side, the debris was comparatively lesser than the remaining sides.
Western Wall
During debris clearance good numbers of artefacts and objects were also recovered. One decorated Yonipatta of a Shiva linga was found in front of the blocked entrance to the central hall. In addition, terracotta figurines of Hanuman, human and animal figurines and other artefacts were also recovered from the debris. An important object retrieved from the debris was a fragmentary kneeling stone elephant, detached from the pre-existing structure. It was found below the southern cusped arch entrance of the western chamber. This sculptural fragment was part of the decorative motif of the arch on the entrance. Some important architectural members were also recovered from the western chamber.
Debris in the northwest side was equally varied and was accumulated against the western wall covering its architectural features. The debris included brickbats, broken terracotta tiles, potsherds, lime concrete material, cement mortar, sand bags, plastic bottles, plastic bags, tobacco packets and other various type of modern waste materials. The artefacts recovered from this part include the terracotta figurines, stone sculptural fragments, copper coins of late medieval period, coins of East India Company and the British period and modern Indian coins. A number of architectural members were also exposed during debris cleaning.
Cellars (North and South)
Removal of debris from along the western side of S2 exposed several antiquities including sculptures of Vishnu, Shaiva Dwarpala, miniature temple, Hanuman and other stone objects as well as terracotta figurines. A number of potteries were found within the soil matrix of the platform. A coin hoard of 64 British India coins was found near the third entrance of the S3. Several pieces of architectural members, brickbats, lakhauri and modern bricks were also found from the cellar S2.
East Side
Debris removal was carried out along the east side of the structure and polythene bags, plastic wrappers of biscuits and tobacco, discarded footwear, old clothes and modern bricks were found. Beneath the debris, stone paved flooring, similar to the north side was exposed in the southeast part. The choked and overflowing drain was also cleared off garbage. A few stone architectural members including pillars and pilasters were recovered. One small stone Shiva linga was also found during debris cleaning.
Stone Objects
Stone objects are the largest in number. The stone objects include architectural members, sculptural fragments, pestle, bowl, etc. A large number of architectural members were found from different locations. The architectural members include pilasters of different sizes and styles found from the west wall, cellar N2, east as well as the south sides. Dwarf parapet pillars of varying size with or without finials were another sub-group. Different decorated bracket was also found along with the four decoratedamalaka.
Finials of varying size and styles were another group. Stylistically, they appear to belong to different time-frames. Some heavy stone slabs were retrieved and they bear decoration of trefoil motifs as well as pandasa motifs which are also noticed in the existing as well as the pre-existing structures.
The pandasa motifs were also found used in the cellars. One large stone block, though broken and chopped off, appears to have been part of a torana. Some niches with cusped arch decoration were also found during the debris clearance. A pranala was also found from the debris of the northwest side.
Apart from architectural members, good numbers of stone sculptural remains were also found from different locations within the fenced area. The sculptural representations of Vishnu, Shaiva Dwarpala, Shiva linga, Yonipatta without Shiva linga, Krishna, Ganesh, Hanuman, attendant figures, vyala, Nandi, etc. have been identified.
Several specimens could not be identified with certainty as they were either too fragmentary like body parts or defaced and worn out. A miniature shrine with sculptural depiction of deities is another noteworthy find.
Among the different sculptural specimens Shiva linga and Yonipatta were in good number and mostly found from the cellar S2 and western wall area. Two sculptures of Vishnu were also recorded from cellar S2. Among the two, one is a complete image and another one is only the parikara part of an image depicting the figure of seated Vishnu. Two fragmentary images of Krishna were also found from cellar S2. A head of Ganesh made of marble was found from the cellar S2. Two damaged sculptures of Nandi were also found during the debris clearance in the western chamber. One schist stone sculptural fragment of a head of an image was also found from the cellar N3. Lower part of the Varaha image was found from the debris in the cellar N2. In addition, more than 25 different sculptural fragments of different deities were recorded from study area.
Terracotta Objects
Different type of terracotta objects were also found during the survey. These include deities, male and female figures, bricks with dates, tiles, sling balls, etc. Fragmentary figures of Hanuman and Ganesh were found from western wall area. Male and female figures were mainly found from the western wall though some figurines were also found from the cellars N2, S2 and east side.
Potteries
Almost the entire repertoire of recovered pottery falls within the general category of common red ware. The major type identified from the group are of miniature pots, ghara, lota, chillum, hookah-base and pipe both, spouted pots, surahis, V-shaped bowls of various sizes locally known as parai, terracotta cups locally known as purwa, miniature tumblers, ghara, lamps of various size, etc.
Metal Objects
A total of 86 coins of different periods have been documented. Of them, three coins belong to the Shah Alam and these coins have legends in Persian scripts. Numbers of British-India coins were found including a hoard of 64 coins. These include coins belonging to the East India Company, Queen Victoria, Edward VII and George V, some were indecipherable due to surface corrosion and thick incrustation. One copper coin of Madhav Rao Scindhia was also found. Modern Indian currency of varying denominations like 2 paisa, 3 paisa, 5 paisa, 10 paisa and 25 paisa were also documented. One foreign coin of 1 Dirham denomination of United Arab Emirates was also found.
Scientific investigations/ Survey
1. Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
In the preparation of report, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) played a pivotal role as a widely acclaimed geophysical method known for its non-invasive and non-destructive attributes in the realm of archaeological site characterization.
With the presence of favorable surface soil and rock conditions, GPR boasts the highest resolution among geophysical techniques, facilitating precise subsurface mapping.
2. Differential Global Positioning Systems (DGPS)
The DGPS represent an advanced and highly precise sateilite-based navigation technology used for determining accurate positions on the Earth’s surface. DGPS is an enhanced version of the Global Positioning System (GPS), designed to mitigate the inherent inaccuracies that can affect standard GPS measurements.
3. Total Station Survey
The utilization of Total Station Survey in archaeological research Is of significant importance as it serves as a highly precise and modern surveying technique. Its widespread adoption is primarily geared towards the meticulous documentation and analysis of historical sites and monuments, thereby furnishing archaeologists with a potent tool for comprehending the spatial and architectural attributes inherent therein.
This method is characterized by its remarkable precision, and combines electronic theodolite and electronic distance measuring (EDM) instruments. This amalgamation empowers archaeologists with the means to undertake precise measurements of angles and distances, thereby facilitating the creation of meticulous and accurate maps and plans of archaeological sites.
An indispensable facet of Total Station instruments is their ability to record data in three dimensions. This entails the capture of not only horizontal and vertical coordinates but also elevation or height data. This holistic approach is pivotal in comprehending the three-dimensional layout of archaeological sites and monuments.
A distinct advantage of Total Station Survey Is its non-invasive nature, distinguishing it from some traditional methods that necessitate physical contact with the site. This attribute enhances the preservation of delicate archaeological features.
4. Handheld XRF
Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF) is used for non-destructive in-situ studies. In order to conduct the in-situ as well as non-destructive studies of structural components the hand-held XRF method has been used. It provides the mineral composition of any object.
5. Thermo-hygrometer
The Thermo-hygrometer has been used for recording of humidity and temperature during working hours.
6. Scientific Dating methods
Absolute or scientific dating methods help an archaeologist to find specific date of origin or time ranges in years of an object.
7.Radiocarbon Dating (C-14)
One of the most commonly utilised methods of absolute dating is the Radiocarbon dating. The basic principle of this method is to measure the decay of the radioactive isotope of carbon (C-14) in any organic material found from a cultural deposit.
The materials that can be dated through C-14 dating method are wood, plants, textiles and human and animal remains. Radiocarbon dating methods cannot be used to date samples that are beyond 75,000 years.
8.Thermoluminescence (TL)/ Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) Dating
Luminescence dating method is useful for determining the age of such inorganic materials like pottery, bricks, etc. which have crystalline minerals. The basic principle in this method is the calculation of the trapped electrons in the crystalline matrix released by natural radiation present in the material. These electrons are released in the form of light emission when thermally or optically stimulated. The nomenclature of the luminescence dating will depend on nature of stimulation thermal or optical.
9.Isotopic Dating
Isotopic dating of mainly rocks – igneous and metamorphic – is based on the principle of decay of unstable isotopes of different elements comprising the rock matrix. The decay rates of the different elements are known and the fact that they have remained stable over geological timescales.
The decaying atoms remain trapped in the mineral and rock thereby making it possible to calculate the age. Some of the unstable elements that are found in the rocks are Argon, Potassium, Uranium, Thorium, etc. However, in all these isotopic dating methods the age arrived at will be the geological age of the formation of the rock and not when it changed into an artefact.
10.Typological Dating
As the name suggests broad time frames for artefacts are fixed based on their stylistic peculiarities. Certain common physical traits are characteristic of particuiar periods in time. Objects sharing the same characteristics are clubbed together in a group to form a Typological classification’.
Other Reports
The document after this is filled with all kinds of reports that were obtained using the instruments and methods that were described earlier. Furthermore, it documents the condition report citing the various walls Construction materials and observations corresponding to each of them.
Some of the pics from the condition reports are shown below.
General views of Section ‘A’ of western wallFormation of BioFilm and limewashFlaking and FractureDiscolorationBurstingBiological Growth
