1 views
Story of Ram and Babur Ayodhya
The history of the Babri Masjid and the site at Ayodhya is intertwined with religion, politics, and historical narratives. Below is an overview:
Pre-Babur Ayodhya
1. Ayodhya in Ancient Texts:
Ayodhya is mentioned in Hindu religious texts, including the Ramayana, as the birthplace of Lord Rama and the capital of his kingdom. It is regarded as one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism (Sapta Puri).
Archaeological evidence suggests Ayodhya was an important urban center from at least the 6th century BCE.
2. Buddhist and Jain Connections:
In addition to Hindu associations, Ayodhya also holds significance for Buddhists and Jains. Jain texts describe Ayodhya as the birthplace of several Tirthankaras, and archaeological remains indicate a Buddhist presence.
3. Medieval Period:
Prior to the Mughal era, the region saw a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences due to successive ruling dynasties, including the Guptas, Mauryas, and Delhi Sultanate.
Temples and other religious structures were built and destroyed over time, reflecting changing political and cultural dynamics.
Construction of Babri Masjid (1528)
1. Built by Mir Baqi:
Babri Masjid was commissioned in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a general in the army of Mughal Emperor Babur.
The mosque's construction is believed to have replaced or repurposed a pre-existing structure. However, the nature of this structure is contested.
2. Claims of a Pre-Existing Hindu Temple:
Hindu groups argue that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Several accounts, both historical and folkloric, reference a temple being demolished by Mir Baqi. However, historical evidence is inconclusive, and the narratives are often disputed.
Controversy and Later History
1. Colonial Era (19th Century):
In 1859, during British rule, a fence was erected to separate the mosque's inner courtyard (used by Muslims) from the outer courtyard (used by Hindus for worship). This marked the beginning of recorded tensions over the site.
Legal disputes over ownership began in the 19th century.
2. Post-Independence India (1949):
In 1949, idols of Lord Rama were placed inside the mosque, sparking religious and legal conflicts.
The site was locked by the government, and access was restricted pending legal resolutions.
3. Demolition of Babri Masjid (1992):
On December 6, 1992, the mosque was demolished by a large mob of Hindu activists, sparking widespread communal riots and international condemnation.
The demolition was preceded by years of mobilization by groups claiming the site as Lord Rama’s birthplace.
4. Legal and Archaeological Developments:
Archaeological surveys conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 2000s found...
Pre-Babur Ayodhya
1. Ayodhya in Ancient Texts:
Ayodhya is mentioned in Hindu religious texts, including the Ramayana, as the birthplace of Lord Rama and the capital of his kingdom. It is regarded as one of the seven most sacred cities in Hinduism (Sapta Puri).
Archaeological evidence suggests Ayodhya was an important urban center from at least the 6th century BCE.
2. Buddhist and Jain Connections:
In addition to Hindu associations, Ayodhya also holds significance for Buddhists and Jains. Jain texts describe Ayodhya as the birthplace of several Tirthankaras, and archaeological remains indicate a Buddhist presence.
3. Medieval Period:
Prior to the Mughal era, the region saw a mix of Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic influences due to successive ruling dynasties, including the Guptas, Mauryas, and Delhi Sultanate.
Temples and other religious structures were built and destroyed over time, reflecting changing political and cultural dynamics.
Construction of Babri Masjid (1528)
1. Built by Mir Baqi:
Babri Masjid was commissioned in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a general in the army of Mughal Emperor Babur.
The mosque's construction is believed to have replaced or repurposed a pre-existing structure. However, the nature of this structure is contested.
2. Claims of a Pre-Existing Hindu Temple:
Hindu groups argue that the mosque was built on the ruins of a temple marking the birthplace of Lord Rama.
Several accounts, both historical and folkloric, reference a temple being demolished by Mir Baqi. However, historical evidence is inconclusive, and the narratives are often disputed.
Controversy and Later History
1. Colonial Era (19th Century):
In 1859, during British rule, a fence was erected to separate the mosque's inner courtyard (used by Muslims) from the outer courtyard (used by Hindus for worship). This marked the beginning of recorded tensions over the site.
Legal disputes over ownership began in the 19th century.
2. Post-Independence India (1949):
In 1949, idols of Lord Rama were placed inside the mosque, sparking religious and legal conflicts.
The site was locked by the government, and access was restricted pending legal resolutions.
3. Demolition of Babri Masjid (1992):
On December 6, 1992, the mosque was demolished by a large mob of Hindu activists, sparking widespread communal riots and international condemnation.
The demolition was preceded by years of mobilization by groups claiming the site as Lord Rama’s birthplace.
4. Legal and Archaeological Developments:
Archaeological surveys conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in the 2000s found...
