Bhojshala Complex — History and Religious Significance
GS PAPER I — Art & Culture, History
Why in News?
The Bhojshala Complex continues to draw attention as a centrally protected monument with layered historical and religious significance, making it a recurring Prelims topic on art, culture, and heritage protection.
Key Facts for Prelims
- Located in Dhar district, Madhya Pradesh.
- Believed to have been established under the Paramara dynasty, particularly during the reign of King Bhoja (11th century CE), known for patronising education, literature, and architecture.
- Revered by Hindus as the Bhojshala, dedicated to Goddess Vagdevi (Saraswati).
- Regarded by Muslims as the Kamal Maula Mosque, associated with Sufi saint Kamal al-Din (Kamal Maula).
- Currently a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
UPSC Note — Prelims Angle
A recurring Prelims theme is dual religious identity of monuments — Bhojshala’s Hindu-Saraswati and Muslim-Kamal Maula associations make it a natural fit for this kind of statement-based question.
Remember its ASI-protected status and Paramara/King Bhoja linkage as the most testable factual anchors.
| Prelims MCQ Practice With reference to the Bhojshala Complex, consider the following statements: 1. It is located in the Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh. 2. It is a centrally protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. 3. It is associated with the Paramara ruler King Bhoja and is revered by Hindus as a temple of Goddess Saraswati. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (d) All three statements are correct. The Bhojshala Complex is located in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, is a centrally protected ASI monument, and carries dual significance — revered by Hindus as a Saraswati temple and by Muslims as the Kamal Maula Mosque. |
