In a landmark decision, the court has finally pronounced its judgment on the Lakshagriha and Mausoleum dispute, concluding a legal battle that spanned over five decades. The victory in the ongoing struggle over a 100-acre land has been awarded to the Hindu party. The case, initiated in the court of Meerut in 1970, was later being heard in the Bagpat district and the Sessions Court under Civil Judge Junior Division First.
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Today, Civil Judge Shivam Dwivedi, dismissing the arguments put forth by the Muslim side, has granted ownership rights of the entire land to the Hindu party. Both parties were staunchly advocating their claims throughout the proceedings. Let’s delve into the full story of the Lakshagriha and Mausoleum dispute.
The village of Barnava in Bagpat district has been the epicenter of a prolonged conflict between Hindu and Muslim communities over the Lakshagriha hillock for the past 53 years. The case was initially filed in 1970 in the court of Sardhana, Meerut, by Mukim Khan, a resident of Barnava, portraying himself as a representative of the Waqf Board. He contended that there is a mausoleum of Sheikh Badruddin and a large cemetery present on the Lakshagriha hillock, duly registered with the Uttar Pradesh Waqf Board.
Allegations were made that Krishna Dutt Maharaj, the founder of Lakshagriha Gurukul, intended to eliminate the existing cemetery and mausoleum to establish a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Both Mukim Khan and Krishna Dutt Maharaj have passed away, and representatives from both sides continued the legal battle. The defense argued that this is the Pandavas’ Lakshagriha, citing the presence of ancient tunnels from the Mahabharata era, historical walls, and an ancient hillock. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had conducted excavations at the hillock six years ago.
It is claimed that the hillock, covering approximately 100 acres, has historical significance dating back to the Mahabharata era, Kushan period, Gupta era, and the Rajput era. The hillock has structures from the Mughal era. The court’s decision comes after both parties presented witnesses and substantial evidence in the case.
Barnava, a village mentioned in the Mahabharata as Varnavart, is located on the banks of the Hindon and Krishna rivers. The Lakshagriha hillock, spread over nearly 30 acres in the southern part of the village, is about 100 feet high. This hillock, considered to be the Lakshagriha of the Mahabharata era, still reveals various artifacts. It is believed that Duryodhana plotted to burn the Pandavas alive in this very Lakshagriha, but Vidura intervened, and the Pandavas were safely evacuated through a tunnel.
About six years ago, the ASI team had excavated the hillock, revealing important archaeological finds. Despite this, both the Hindu and Muslim parties continued to assert their respective claims based on their own set of facts.
The hillock, spanning approximately 100 acres, contains no disputes within its perimeter. The structures present within it are from the Mughal era. The Mausoleum of Sheikh Badruddin, a Sufi saint, and a dargah are also present on the hillock. The rest of the hillock, holding the relics of the Mahabharata era, Kushan period, Gupta era, and the pottery from various historical periods, is undisturbed. Considering these aspects, the court may have reached its decision.
The hillock also houses a gurukul that has been operational for about 60 years. Acharya Balakrishna practiced meditation here, and nearly 800-900 years ago, Sufi saint Sheikh Badruddin concluded his spiritual journey at the same hillock.”
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