Deciding on methods to determine age of Shivling-like structure, says ASI

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) today submitted before the Allahabad High Court that it is examining the modern techniques that can be adapted to determine the age of the alleged 'Shiva Linga' found inside the Gyanvapi Mosque premises.

The Counsel for the ASI, Manoj Kumar Singh however added that the method of relative carbon dating may be adopted to determine the age of the structure. It was also stated that these are just prima facie observations and the ASI is still contemplating as to what methods could be adopted to determine the age of the Shiva Linga.

Counsel for the ASI, Mr. Singh further said that a proper and comprehensive report would be filed by it then only a conclusive opinion could be given by it as to how the age of the structure can be determined.

In response to these submissions, the Bench of Justice JJ Munir asked the counsel for the ASI to rule out any possibility of damage to the structure.

The counsel for the Hindu worshippers, Advocate Vishnu Shankar Jain submitted that it was essential to determine the age of the 'Shiva Linga' and therefore, without damaging the structure, its age be determined by ASI adopting any suitable scientific method.