Carbon dating of Shivling found inside Gyanvapi mosque not possible: ASI to Allahabad HC

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated that carbon dating of the Shiva Linga found inside the Gyanvapi Mosque is not possible

• This announcement was made on Friday in front of the Allahabad High Court. According to the ASI, it is possible to conduct carbon dating of only the top part of the Lingam.

• The ASI was ordered by the court to conduct a physical survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque and submit a report. The ASI team had started their survey work on May 10 and is expected to complete it within a month

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has stated that carbon dating of the Shiva Linga found inside the Gyanvapi Mosque is not possible.

This announcement was made on Friday in front of the Allahabad High Court. According to the ASI, it is possible to conduct carbon dating of only the top part of the Lingam. However, the top part of the religious symbol has been divided into five sectors, and if this part has been embedded or added later using binders containing plant products or mortar, then this binder can be radiocarbon dated to determine the age of the Lingam.

The Gyanvapi Mosque, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, is believed to have been built by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb on the ruins of the Kashi Vishwanath temple in the 17th century. A petition was filed in the Allahabad High Court, seeking permission to conduct a detailed survey of the mosque to ascertain whether there are any remains of a temple beneath it.

The ASI was ordered by the court to conduct a physical survey of the Gyanvapi Mosque and submit a report. The ASI team had started their survey work on May 10 and is expected to complete it within a month. The ASI team is examining the structure's walls, pillars, and domes. They have also taken photographs of the mosque's interior and exterior to document its features.

The issue has sparked intense debate in the country, with Hindu groups demanding the mosque's demolition, citing historical evidence that suggests the existence of a temple at the site before the mosque was built. Muslim groups, however, are opposing the move, citing religious sentiments and the need to preserve a place of worship. The matter is still under the court's consideration.