Ayodhya’s Ram Temple First Anniversary: From Babri Masjid To Mandir

Ayodhya is buzzing with excitement with thousands of devotees flocking to the Ram Mandir as it celebrates its first anniversary of Pran Pratishtha ceremony today. About a year ago, on January 22, 2024, the grand Pran Pratishtha ceremony of Ram Lala was held in Shri Ram Temple, Ayodhya.

However, behind this momentous event lie a long legal battle that lasted for decades. The journey from the construction of the Ram Temple till its completion was marked by numerous challenges. The Babri Masjid dispute, prolonged court battle, and the landmark decision of the Supreme Court were all parts of the historic event.

Timeline Of Babri Mosque-Ram Mandir Dispute:

1528: Construction of Babri Mosque by Mughal commander Mir Baqi under first Mughal ruler, Babur.

1853: The conflict became legal in 1853, 330 years after the construction of Babri Mosque. Hindu section claimed that the masjid was built during Babur’s reign after destroying the Ram Temple.

1859: The British colonial administration divides the site into two sections for Hindus and Muslims. Muslims were allowed to pray inside the temple, while Hindus were permitted to worship in the outer courtyard.

1949: The government declares the masjid a ‘disputed property’ on December 23. Gates were locked up after idols of Ram deity were unveiled by Hindu priests inside the dome, according to reports.

1950-61: A total of four suits were filed in the court with Hindu section demanding rights to perform rituals at the site. On the other hand, a Muslim group sought declaration and possession of the structure.

1984: Hindu far-right groups forms a committee, including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).

1990: BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani leads a nationwide campaign to construct mandir in the place of masjid. Violence erupts nationwide followed by Advani’s arrest in Bihar.

1992: Thousands of Hindus gather in Ayodhya on December 6, demolishing the 16th-century mosque. Hindu-Muslim riots erupts across the country.

1992: Ten days after the demolition of the mosque, the central government forms the Liberhan Commission to investigate the incident.

2003: A court-directed survey begins at the site to find out the existence of the Hindu temple. The survey reveals evidence of a temple beneath the masjid.

2009: After about 17 years, the commission submits its report. The report names several leaders of the BJP and its ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) as responsible for the demolition of the mosque. Some senior BJP leaders, including Advani, face trial.

2010: Three judges of the Allahabad High Court rule that Hindus and Muslims should share the disputed site. The court says two-thirds of the 2.77-acre (1.12-hectare) site belongs to Hindu groups – Nirmohi Akhara sect and Ramlalla Virajman – and the rest to the Muslim group (Sunni Central Wakf Board, UP).

2011: The Supreme Court suspends the High Court ruling following appeals by Hindu and Muslim groups.