Bharuch Juma Mosque row deepens after Jain idols found in basement sealed for 700 years

The dispute over Bharuch’s historic Juma (Jama) Mosque has escalated after idols of Jain Tirthankara Mallinath and other Jain deities were reportedly discovered in a basement that had remained sealed for nearly 700 years.

The idols reportedly include representations of the 19th Jain Tirthankara, Lord Mallinath, along with other deities. An inscription on the artefacts is said to mention Vikram Samvat 1213. The archaeological department has prepared a video report of the findings and forwarded it to senior authorities.

Long-standing dispute over the site

For the past six months, ascetics, seers, and several Hindu and Jain organisations have been agitating, claiming that the site was originally the Jain Samari Vihar and the birthplace of Shri Chakradhar Swami.

The controversy centres on competing claims over the monument’s origins, with both sides citing historical and religious evidence.

Archaeological inspection and action

Following the agitation, the archaeological department opened the sealed basement for inspection. After the reported discovery of the idols, authorities have begun steps to remove alleged unauthorised encroachments within the mosque premises.

To maintain law and order, one of the main entrances to the basement has been temporarily sealed. Officials are also examining installations such as ablution facilities, fans and lighting allegedly set up without archaeological clearance.

Competing historical claims

Hindu and Jain groups allege the original Jain Samari Vihar temple was converted into a mosque during the 13th-century invasion of Alauddin Khilji. They also point to Jain carvings still visible on the structure’s pillars.

Muslim community members maintain that Friday prayers have been held at the site for centuries and describe it as an established place of worship.

Legal and administrative positions

Mahant Muktanand Swami of the Shankaracharya Math in Navchowki Ovara, Bharuch, has claimed the site is the Jain Samari Vihar. He said the discovery of idols bearing an inscription dated Vikram Samvat 1213 supports demands to restore the site as a temple.

Juma Mosque trustee Abdul Kamathi rejected the claim, stating that the mosque has been listed in the Government of India Gazette since 1907 and is managed by a Waqf Board-registered trust. He alleged that certain groups are creating a fresh controversy and said the trust has consulted senior High Court lawyers and will pursue legal remedies.

Status of investigation

The archaeological department’s investigation has documented the discovery of Jain idols bearing the Vikram Samvat 1213 inscription. Further administrative and legal decisions are expected to determine the status of the protected heritage structure.