Ayodhya Dispute, Centuries Old Issue: Ram Mandir versus Babri Masjid
This article talks about a historical dispute popularly called Ayodhya Dispute, between two religious communities on the issue of establishment of their respective religious shrines at Ayodhya, a city in Uttar Pradesh. It also elaborates the court proceedings of the dispute for establishment of Ram Mandir (temple) at Ram Janambhoomi or Babri Masjid. It also discusses how this socio-religious dispute turned in to a political one.
Importance of Ayodhya for Hindus
Importance of Ayodhya for Muslims
Historical Roots of Ayodhya Dispute
Progress of Ayodhya Dispute: Ram Mandir Versus Babri Masjid
Politicization of Ayodhya Dispute
Judicial Stand
Current Status
Importance of Ayodhya for Hindus
Historical searches reveal that Ayodhya is the birthplace of Lord Ram (Ram Janambhoomi). Since Ram is god of Hindus, therefore Hindus have faith in religious sanctity of this place. They favour the building of temple for Lord Ram (Ram Mandir) here.
Importance of Ayodhya for Muslims
It is believed that in 1528, general of Mughal emperor Babur built a mosque at Ayodhya. The name of general was Mir Baqi. On his name, mosque became popular as Babri Masjid.
Historical Roots of Ayodhya Dispute
Hindus believed that one temple devoted to Lord Ram was built in early medieval age at Ram Janambhoomi in Ayodhya. They allege that the temple (Ram Mandir) was demolished by a Mir Baqi and built the mosque (Babri Masjid) at same site. Subsequently, Hindus started worshipping on a raised platform called Ram chabutra, outside the mosque. The mosque is popularly known as Babri Masjid. With time, this land dispute rose between Hindus and Muslims and it is popularly known as "Ayodhya Dispute".
Progress of Ayodhya Dispute: Ram Mandir Versus Babri Masjid
In past, we have witnessed several clashes over this issue and many petitions in courts. In 1853, local riots precipitated. In 1885, a petition was filed by Mahant Raghuvar Das in Faizabad court to build a temple (Ram Mandir) on Ram chabutra which was denied by court. In December 1949, an idol of infant Ram (Ram Lalla) appeared inside the mosque. Muslims complained about placement of idol in Babri Masjid and court took control over the premises. In 1950, another appeal was submitted to allow prayers inside the building but court took a strong stand and rejected this appeal. The premises was locked and closed for public. In late 50s and early 60s, petitions were filed for taking control over premises by Nirmohi akhara and Sunni waqf board respectively.
Politicization of Ayodhya Dispute
In 1984, Dharam Sansad of VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) launched a movement for reclaiming the site of Babri Masjid. In 1980s, this issue was politicized and used by politicians as magnets for their vote banks. In case of Ahmed Khan versus Shah Bano, under the pressure of Muslim voters, the then government of Rajiv Gandhi passed a legislation which overturned the decision of judiciary. Thus, to counter the effect of this action of government on Hindu voters, government quickly opened the premises for Hindus’ worship, on court’s order without any delay. This resulted in widespread protests by Muslims and emergence of Babri masjid action committee. On the other hand, Hindutva politics also surfaced. Karsevaks started giving voluntary services for temple work. In 1989, a stone laying ceremony was performed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad for construction of Ram Mandir. Riots broke out and numbers of people were killed.
In 1989, V.P. Singh government came in to power with support from outside. In September 1990, L. K. Advani conducted a rath yatra from Somnath, Gujarat to Ayodhya to avail support of people in favour of Ram Mandir. All along the path of this yatra, several riots occurred. When Advani was arrested to stop his journey, government fell down due to withdrawal of support by BJP. In 1992, the then prime minister Sh. Narsimha Rao tried to mediate between VHP and BMAC but all in vain. On 6th December 1992, Babri Masjid was demolished by approximately 20 million people gathered at Ayodhya from all over the country. This resulted in anti-hindu movements. In his way, this matter is not just a land dispute but associated with emotions of millions of people. With time, it turned in to political issue and has remained a threat to unity of country.
Judicial Stand
All the petitions were clubbed together by Allahabad high court. The court gave its verdict in 2010 in which order was passed to divide the land of disputed site among contending parties in following manner:
- Central shrine to Ram Lalla Virajman
- Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabutra to Nirmohi Akhara
- Rest of the structure to Sunni Waqf Board.
None of the party was satisfied with this decision. So they appealed in supreme court.
CURRENT STATUS
At present in 2019, supreme court has reserved the matter for mediation. The Honorable Supreme Court asked the parties to suggest name of mediators. The stand of Ram Lalla Virajman was against the mediation because it may result in wastage of time. Other two parties were ready for it. Then, finally a mediation panel was constituted. It is composed of following members: Former Justice Fakkir Mohammad Ibrahim Kalifulla as the chairman of panel, senior advocate Sriram Panchu and spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar as other members. Now, court has asked Justice Kalifulla to give report about progress of mediation and also said that if it does not work then court will take decision.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purpose only. It does not intend to hurt sentiments of anyone. It only contains information from available resources and has no purpose to blame anyone.
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