The Babri Masjid, one of India’s most contested religious sites, has played a central role in the socio-political landscape of the country. Erected in the 16th century, the mosque’s demolition in 1992 ignited widespread communal tensions and has since remained a potent symbol of religious and political discourse in India. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the history, its demolition, and its enduring impact on Indian society.
Historical Background of Babri Masjid
Construction of the Babri Masjid
It was constructed in 1528–29 by Mir Baqi, a commander of the Mughal emperor Babur, in the town of Ayodhya, located in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. The mosque was built on a site that, according to some Hindu groups, was the birthplace of Lord Ram, a revered deity in Hinduism. This claim has been a matter of contention, with historical and archaeological evidence often interpreted differently by various communities.
Babri Masjid’s Religious Significance
For centuries, the Babri Masjid served as a place of worship for Muslims in the region. The mosque’s religious significance to the Muslim community was unquestioned, and it stood as a symbol of Mughal architecture and Islamic heritage in India. However, the site also held religious significance for Hindus, particularly those who believed that it was built on the ruins of an ancient temple marking Lord Ram’s birthplace.
The Dispute and Legal Battle
The 19th and 20th Century Disputes
The conflict over the Babri Masjid can be traced back to the 19th century when Hindus and Muslims clashed over access to the site. In 1885, the first legal suit was filed by a Hindu group seeking permission to construct a temple on the outer courtyard of the mosque. Although the British colonial courts rejected the plea, the dispute continued to simmer, occasionally erupting into localized violence.
Post-Independence Developments
After India gained independence in 1947, the Babri Masjid dispute gained national prominence. In 1949, an idol of Lord Ram was placed inside the mosque, leading to heightened tensions. The government declared the site “disputed” and locked its gates, allowing only the symbolic worship of the deity by Hindus. The legal battle intensified over the decades, with multiple petitions filed by both Hindu and Muslim groups.
The 1980s: The Conflict Intensifies
The issue became a focal point of Indian politics in the 1980s, particularly after the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) launched a campaign to build a temple at the site. The campaign, which gained momentum with the support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led to large-scale mobilizations and demonstrations. This period also saw the rise of religious nationalism, with the Babri Masjid at the center of the debate.
The Demolition of Babri Masjid
December 6, 1992: A Turning Point
On December 6, 1992, a large mob of Hindu nationalists gathered in Ayodhya and demolished the Babri Masjid, despite assurances from political leaders that the mosque would be protected. The demolition was carried out by thousands of kar sevaks (volunteers), and it triggered widespread communal riots across India, leading to the deaths of over 2,000 people.
Immediate Aftermath
The demolition of the Babri Masjid sent shockwaves across the country and the world. It led to a sharp polarization between Hindu and Muslim communities in India, with communal riots breaking out in several cities. The Indian government, led by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, faced severe criticism for failing to prevent the demolition. The event also led to the rise of militant Hindu nationalism, with the BJP emerging as a major political force in the subsequent years.
The Legal and Political Aftermath
The Liberhan Commission
In the aftermath of the demolition, the Indian government established the Liberhan Commission to investigate the events leading up to the destruction of the Babri Masjid. The commission’s report, submitted in 2009, placed blame on several political leaders and organizations for inciting the demolition. However, the report’s findings did little to resolve the deep-rooted issues surrounding the site.
The Supreme Court Verdict of 2019
The legal battle over the Babri Masjid continued for decades, with the case eventually reaching the Supreme Court of India. In November 2019, the court delivered a landmark verdict, awarding the disputed site to Hindus for the construction of a temple, while ordering that a separate plot of land be allocated to Muslims for the construction of a mosque. The verdict was seen as a victory for the Hindu nationalist movement, but it also aimed to bring closure to the long-standing dispute.
The Impact of the Babri Masjid Dispute on Indian Society
Communal Tensions and Political Polarization
The Babri Masjid dispute has had a lasting impact on India’s social and political fabric. It has contributed to the deepening of communal divisions, with periodic outbreaks of violence between Hindus and Muslims. The issue has also been a significant factor in the rise of identity-based politics, with political parties often using the dispute to mobilize voters along religious lines.
Cultural and Historical Legacy
The destruction of the Babri Masjid marked the loss of a significant piece of India’s cultural and architectural heritage. For many, the site symbolizes the ongoing struggle between secularism and religious nationalism in India. The dispute has also sparked debates on the role of history and memory in shaping national identity, with differing narratives often clashing over the interpretation of historical events.
Future Implications
The resolution of the Babri Masjid dispute in 2019 has not completely quelled the tensions surrounding the site. The construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya is likely to remain a point of contention in Indian politics, particularly as it is closely tied to the broader agenda of Hindu nationalism. The site’s legacy will continue to influence India’s political landscape for years to come.
Read our more blog – Unlocking the Potential of Dalhousie
