Based on the findings of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), the Hindu side in the dispute over Gyanvapi mosque in Varanasi claims that there was once a large Hindu temple at the same site. Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain, representing the Hindu side, stated that the ASI’s conclusive finding is that a Hindu temple existed prior to the construction of the mosque. The ASI report also indicates that the mosque’s western wall is part of the temple and reveals the presence of 32 Hindu temple inscriptions. The survey was ordered following claims by Hindu petitioners that the 17th-century mosque was built on a pre-existing temple. The report was submitted to the district court in December of last year. Read more for detailed information.