From Rubble to Reverence: The 32-Year Saga of Babri Masjid and the Rise of Ram Mandir

Paromita Das

GG News Bureau

New Delhi, 6^th December- The demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992, marked a defining moment in Bharat’s political and cultural history. What began as a legal and historical dispute evolved into one of the most significant socio-religious movements in post-independence Bharat. This moment not only reshaped the political landscape but also symbolized a centuries-old struggle of Hindus to reclaim what they believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. The journey from the demolition to the Supreme Court’s verdict in 2019, and finally the grand consecration ceremony of the Ram Mandir in January 2024, captures the resilience of a movement and the lasting implications for Bharatiya society.

The History of the Babri Masjid and the Dispute

The Babri Masjid, built in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a commander of Mughal emperor Babur, stood on a site that Hindus believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. For centuries, this belief remained at the heart of local folklore and devotion. Tensions over the site date back to the colonial era, with legal petitions and confrontations as early as the 19th century.

The turning point came in 1949, when an idol of Lord Ram was controversially placed inside the mosque. This event intensified the dispute, with both Hindus and Muslims claiming the site as their own. The government declared the site disputed and locked it, allowing only limited access for worship. The legal battle that ensued set the stage for decades of political and communal tension.

The Babri Masjid Demolition: December 6, 1992

The demolition of the Babri Masjid was the culmination of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, led by the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and supported by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The movement aimed to build a grand Ram temple at the site, asserting that the mosque had been built over an ancient Hindu temple.

On December 6, 1992, despite assurances by the movement’s leaders to the Supreme Court that the mosque would not be harmed, a large mob of kar sevaks demolished the structure. This act triggered nationwide communal riots, resulting in significant loss of life and property. The demolition remains one of the most polarizing events in Bharat’s history, shaping the trajectory of the nation’s politics and social fabric for decades.

The Struggle for Ram Mandir: A Symbol of Hindu Resurgence

The demolition of the Babri Masjid galvanized the Hindu nationalist movement, transforming the demand for a Ram temple into a powerful political and cultural issue. The BJP, led by leaders like L.K. Advani, capitalized on the movement, undertaking initiatives such as the Rath Yatra in 1990, which aimed to mobilize support for the temple’s construction.

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement became a symbol of Hindu identity and resurgence, uniting millions of Hindus across caste and regional lines. The slogan “Mandir Wahin Banayenge” (The temple will be built there) echoed across the nation, solidifying the BJP’s position as a major political force. By the mid-1990s, the BJP had emerged as a dominant party in Bharatiya politics, largely on the back of the Ram Mandir issue.

Despite the political momentum, the movement faced significant legal and administrative hurdles. Successive governments grappled with balancing religious sentiments and constitutional secularism, prolonging the resolution of the dispute.

The Supreme Court Verdict: November 9, 2019

After decades of legal battles and political negotiations, the Supreme Court of India delivered its landmark verdict on November 9, 2019. The court unanimously ruled in favor of the Hindu claimants, granting them the disputed land for the construction of a Ram temple. The judgment acknowledged the faith of millions of Hindus while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining communal harmony.

To address the concerns of the Muslim community, the court directed the government to allocate a separate five-acre plot in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque. This balanced approach sought to bring closure to a dispute that had deeply divided the nation.

The verdict was widely celebrated by Hindus as the culmination of their struggle for the Ram Janmabhoomi. For the BJP, which had made the temple issue a cornerstone of its political identity, the judgment was a significant victory.

Construction of the Ram Mandir: A Grand Vision Realized

The construction of the Ram Mandir began soon after the Supreme Court verdict. The Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust was established to oversee the temple’s construction, ensuring transparency and public involvement. The foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 5, 2020, in a ceremony that highlighted the temple’s significance as a cultural and spiritual milestone for Hindus.

The temple, designed to be one of the largest and most magnificent in Bharat, symbolizes not just religious devotion but also the fulfillment of a historical and cultural aspiration. The construction process involved meticulous planning and collaboration among architects, historians, and religious scholars to ensure authenticity and grandeur.

In January 2024, the nation witnessed the grand consecration ceremony of the temple. Prime Minister Modi, along with religious and political leaders, participated in the event, which was attended by devotees from across the country. The consecration marked the final chapter in a journey that had spanned centuries, transforming the disputed site into a symbol of unity and faith.

The Legacy of the Babri Masjid Demolition and Ram Mandir

The demolition of the Babri Masjid and the subsequent construction of the Ram Mandir represent a complex legacy. For many Hindus, the temple is a symbol of cultural resurgence and justice, reclaiming a sacred site that holds immense historical and spiritual significance. However, the events surrounding the demolition also underscore the challenges of balancing religious aspirations with communal harmony in a diverse nation like Bharat.

The Ram Janmabhoomi movement reshaped Bharat’s political landscape, fueling the rise of the BJP and the consolidation of Hindu nationalism. At the same time, it deepened communal divisions, highlighting the need for dialogue and reconciliation. The Supreme Court’s verdict and the subsequent temple construction offer an opportunity for closure, but the journey to healing and unity remains ongoing.

Conclusion: A New Chapter in Bharatiya History

The story of the Babri Masjid demolition and the construction of the Ram Mandir is not just about a physical structure; it is a reflection of Bharat’s evolving identity. It captures the struggles and aspirations of a community, the complexities of a diverse society, and the resilience of a democratic system in resolving deeply rooted conflicts.

As the Ram Mandir stands tall in Ayodhya, it is both a monument to faith and a reminder of the need for harmony in a pluralistic nation. The journey from demolition to construction has been long and fraught with challenges, but it also underscores the power of persistence and belief in shaping the course of history.