Mathura: Despite the assertions by the Muslim side that no Muslim ruler destroyed Hindu temples, historical records tell a different story. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), in response to a Right to Information (RTI) request, confirmed that after demolishing the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura, Mughal invader Aurangzeb constructed a royal Idgah structure on the site.

Ajay Pratap Singh, a resident of Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh, sought information through RTI from the Archaeological Survey of India regarding temples across the country, including the birthplace of Lord Krishna in Mathura. The ASI, Agra, replied, citing historical records.

According to the RTI response, a gazette published from Allahabad in 1920 during British rule listed 39 monuments in different districts of Uttar Pradesh. It mentioned Shri Krishna's birthplace at Katra Keshavdev land at number 37, stating that a Keshavdev temple on the Katra mound was replaced by a mosque.

With the confirmation from the Archaeological Department, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi party and the plaintiff, Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, plan to present this crucial evidence in the High Court and later in the Supreme Court on February 22, 2024. Singh emphasized the significance of the government gazette, making the situation very clear.

Advocate Mahendra Pratap Singh, President of Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Mukti Nyas, noted that this RTI response could serve as substantial evidence if a future ASI survey of the temple is conducted. The information was provided by officials of the Archaeology Department.

The Keshavdev Temple in Mathura is an ancient temple, dating back about five thousand years. It is believed to have been built at the birthplace of Lord Krishna, the supreme incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The Hindu side claims that Aurangzeb issued a decree in 1670 to demolish the Saffron Keshavdev Temple, leading to the construction of the Shahi Idgah Mosque. The dispute in Mathura revolves around ownership rights of 13.37 acres of land, with the Hindu side asserting its claim and demanding the removal of the Idgah structure to build the Shri Krishna Janmasthan temple.

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