Why was the Gyanvapi Mosque never destroyed by Marathas even though it was built by Aurangzeb after destroying the true Kashi Vishwanathan temple?

 The Gyanvapi Mosque, located in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, has a complex history intertwined with religious and cultural significance. Let’s delve into the context surrounding its construction and the reasons behind its preservation:

1. Construction by Aurangzeb:

   • The Gyanvapi Mosque was constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb around 1678 CE¹.
   • It stands on the site of an older temple dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishweshwar (Lord Shiva), which Aurangzeb had demolished¹.

2. Pre-Mosque History:

   • The original temple at this location was known as the Vishweshwar Temple.
   • It was built during the late 16th century by Todar Mal, a prominent courtier and minister of Emperor Akbar, along with Narayana Bhatta, a renowned Brahmin scholar from Maharashtra¹.
   • The temple played a crucial role in establishing Banaras (Varanasi) as a center of Brahminic assembly, attracting scholars from across the subcontinent for religious adjudication¹.

3. Controversies and Multiple Histories:

   • The history of what existed before the Vishweshwar Temple is debated by scholars and has been contested by both local Hindu and Muslim communities¹.
   • The Gyanvapi Mosque’s location has fundamentally shaped the sacred topography of Varanasi.
   • Some accounts suggest that the original temple was uprooted by Ghurids in 1193/1194 CE after the defeat of Jayachandra of Kannauj. The Razia Mosque was then constructed in its place¹.

4. Maratha Influence:

   • The Marathas, despite their military prowess and control over large parts of India, did not specifically target the Gyanvapi Mosque.
   • Their focus was primarily on political and territorial matters, and they did not engage in widespread temple destruction or religious conflicts in the same manner as Aurangzeb.

5. Legacy and Preservation:

   • The Gyanvapi Mosque remains a contested site, with legal battles continuing even in recent times.
   • The surviving wall and the nandi bull (a sacred symbol associated with Lord Shiva) are evidence of the temple’s existence before the mosque was built¹.
   • The complex history of the Gyanvapi Mosque reflects the intricate interplay of religious, cultural, and political forces over centuries.

In summary, while the Marathas did not specifically target the Gyanvapi Mosque, its preservation and contested status continue to be significant issues, reflecting the complex historical and religious context of Varanasi¹².