Introduction
The Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya, India, has been a significant event that has shaped the country’s politics and religious landscape. The movement revolves around the belief that the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya was built on the birthplace of Lord Ram, a revered figure in Hindu mythology. This blog provides a historical overview of the events that led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent rise of the Ram Mandir movement.
The Controversy Begins
In 1526, Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, established his rule in the country. One of his generals, Mir Baki, built the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya. However, it is believed by some Hindus that the mosque was constructed after demolishing a temple that marked Lord Ram’s birthplace. The controversy surrounding the Babri Masjid started when a fable gained popularity, claiming that Lord Ram had appeared at the mosque in a divine light.
In 1949, the issue gained further traction when idols of Lord Ram were placed inside the Babri Masjid by Abiram Das, a wrestler and leader of a raiding party. This act was seen as a symbol of protest against foreign oppression and sparked the beginning of a religious and political crusade.
The Spark that Ignited the Movement
On December 23, 1949, Havaldar Abdul Barkat claimed that he had witnessed a flash of lightning at the Babri Masjid, followed by the appearance of a beautiful child. This incident, although later dismissed as a myth, fueled the belief that a miracle had taken place at the mosque.
The Babri Masjid controversy was initially treated as a local communal incident, but in hindsight, it was the spark that ignited the entire Ram Mandir movement and influenced Indian politics significantly. The event polarized communities and set the stage for a long and tumultuous struggle for the construction of a Ram temple in Ayodhya.
The Ayodhya Movement Gains Momentum
In the mid-1980s, the Ayodhya movement gained significant momentum and became impossible for the public and politicians to ignore. Various factors, including social and political issues, contributed to the intensification of the movement.
In 1981, the conversion of 200 Dalit families to Islam in Tamil Nadu led to concerns among the keepers of Hindu morality. The VHP (Vishva Hindu Parishad), a prominent Hindu nationalist organization, organized the Dharam Sansad (Religious Parliament), where the rebuilding of the Ram temple was listed as a primary objective. This was followed by a bike rally and a dip in the Saryu river, symbolizing a pledge to rebuild the temple.
The movement gained further traction when the Muslim clergy protested against a Supreme Court ruling on alimony rights for Muslim women. The Congress government, led by Rajiv Gandhi, passed a law to undermine the ruling, which further angered a section of the Hindu community.
The Shilanyas and the Complete Politicization of the Movement
In 1989, the VHP announced the Shilanyas (foundation stone-laying ceremony) for the Ram mandir. The event received massive donations from across the world, and Ram Shilas (bricks) collected from Indian villages were brought to Ayodhya for the ceremony. The Rajiv Gandhi government blessed the event, despite a court order prohibiting any construction on the disputed land.
The Congress government’s change of stance regarding the Shilanyas marked the complete politicization of the Ram Mandir movement. The upcoming elections and the political challenges faced by the Congress government were likely factors in this change of heart.
The Rath Yatra and the Demolition of the Babri Masjid
In an attempt to divert attention from caste-based politics, the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) launched a Rath Yatra (chariot procession) from Somnath to Ayodhya. The yatra was led by BJP president Lal Krishna Advani and aimed to highlight the need for a Ram temple.
The Rath Yatra caused tensions within the government, and the Janata Dal, a coalition partner, arrested Advani. The BJP withdrew its support to the government, leading to political instability. The VHP, determined to perform Karseva (religious ceremony) at the disputed site, clashed with the government. The situation escalated when the police opened fire on Kar sevaks (devotees), resulting in several deaths.
On December 6, 1992, a large group of Kar sevaks demolished the Babri Masjid, triggering nationwide riots and violence. The destruction of the mosque and the subsequent construction of a makeshift temple on the site further deepened communal divisions.
The Aftermath
The demolition of the Babri Masjid had far-reaching consequences for Indian society and politics. It led to communal tensions, riots, and the destruction of mosques and homes. The Ram Mandir movement became a symbol of Hindu nationalism and influenced political discourse for years to come.
Despite legal battles and political controversies, the demand for a permanent Ram temple persisted. In 2019, the Supreme Court of India finally ruled in favor of the construction of a Ram temple at the disputed site, bringing an end to a long-standing dispute.
Conclusion
The Ram Mandir movement in Ayodhya has been a complex and contentious issue. It has shaped Indian politics, ignited communal tensions, and tested the secular fabric of the nation. The events leading up to the demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent construction of the Ram temple reflect the deep-rooted religious and political divisions within Indian society.
As India moves forward, it is crucial to remember the lessons learned from the Ram Mandir movement and strive towards building a society based on tolerance, inclusivity, and respect for all religious beliefs.
Blog Generated from “The Ayodhya Story: Retracing the Fall of the Disputed Structure | The Quint”
