Structure found inside Gyanvapi mosque resembles Gupta-era shivling, claims historian

The shivling-like structure found inside Gyanvapi Masjid is similar to the one from the Gupta-era discovered at a nearby site in Varanasi, claimed historian Shri Bhagwan Singh.

The shivling-like structure found inside the Gyanvapi mosque has a striking similarity with the one from Gutpa period found near Varanasi, said historian Shri Bhagwan Singh.

Singh is a PhD from Banaras Hindu University and specialises in idol worship and ancient Indian history.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Singh said, “The shivling which is preserved in the museum was excavated years ago from the Saidpur area near Varanasi. Saidpur and nearby areas were one of the capitals of Gupta empire. The structure found inside the Gyanvapi mosque is similar to the Saidpur shivling.”

“A shivling is identified by its material and type of construction. An expert can easily tell whether a structure is a shivling and if it is, then it belongs to which era,” said Singh.

The first known shivlings were found at Harappa and Mohanjodaro sites.

Contrary to the theory of Aryan invasion, historians say people in the Harappan civilization were ardent disciples of ‘Shaivism’ as the first known shivlings were found during the excavation of Harappa and Mohanjodaro archaeological sites.

Jhon Marshall, who was involved in the excavation of the sites, has mentioned the types of shivlings found at the sites in his book, Mohanjodaro-The Indus Civilization.