In order to put quietus to the entire controversy, the Court sought a report from the Archaeological Department.
The report suggested that after cleaning the figure, it was found that the head showed traits of Buddha such as curly hair, ushnisa (crown of hair) and elongated earlobe.
Therefore, it concluded that the sculpture depicted several mahalakshanas (great traits) of Lord Buddha.
“After inspecting the sculpture and carefully examining the available archaeological and historical evidences at our disposal, the Committee collectively expressed their opinion that the sculpture depicts several mahalakshanas (great traits) of the Buddha,” read the report’s concluding remarks.
On this finding, the Court noted that the assumption of the HR & CE Department that the premises was a temple was no longer sustainable, and the control ought to go into the hands of another authority.
Source: Barandbench
