In a major decision that came after a 53-year legal battle, Uttar Pradesh’s Baghpat court yesterday ruled in favor of the Hindu side in a case related to an ancient mound in Barnawa village in Baghpat district.
The court recognized the ancient mound as Lakshagriha (Lakhmandap) in favor of the defendant Krishna Dutt Ji Maharaj, rejecting the claims of the Muslim side as Dargah and graveyard. Following the court’s decision, strict security measures have been implemented at Lakshgriha and the police have been put on alert mode.
Know about Lakshgriha
During the Mahabharata period, the Kauravas had built a luxurious palace made of lac – it is a highly flammable material. According to the Mahabharata, the palace was built by the architect Purochan and was designed as a luxurious and luxurious residence.
The Kauravas invited the Pandavas to stay in this palace, planning to secretly set fire to it with the intention of eliminating their rivals. However, when warned by Vidura, the Pandavas managed to escape from the trap through a tunnel.
Legal battle and land dispute
The legal battle began on March 31, 1970, when Muqeem Khan of Barnawa village filed a case in the Meerut district court, stating that there was a dargah and graveyard of Sheikh Badruddin on the ancient mound at Barnawa. Krishna Dutt Ji Maharaj, who lived outside the district, contested this claim, wishing to eliminate the cemetery and establish an important pilgrimage site for Hindus.
The court heard the testimony of both the parties and on the basis of the evidence, Junior Division Civil Judge Shivam Dwivedi declared the ancient mound of Mahabharata period in Barnawa as Lakshagriha.
After examining the evidence, the court found that there was no cemetery there, and that 108 acres of land, a high mound, was the place where the Pandavas came during the Mahabharata period. Meanwhile, Muslim side’s lawyer Shahid Khan said they will review the verdict and consider filing an appeal.
ASI records
According to reports, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has discovered remains confirming the existence of Lakhmandap and other historical sites. Excavations have been carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India on an ancient mound near Barnawa village, which has yielded ancient artefacts.
The Archaeological Department declared the site a protected monument, and efforts were made to develop the ancient mound for tourism, attracting tourists to visit the caves and other features. The site continues to attract tourists from far and wide, contributing to the cultural heritage of the region.