Today we are going to read about What is Ayodhya Dispute? The Ayodhya Dispute has shaped India’s politics for the last 30 years. But the dispute is much older, the first case filed in 1885. The Hindus want a Ram temple on the 2.7-acre land, where the Babri Masjid was built in the 16
th century. The fight has played out for decades, both in courts and on the streets alike. The standoff has frequently escalated and led to the demolition of the mosque in 1992. There are 50 parties in the case but only three claimants to the land. The Allahabad High Court divided land into 3 equal parts between 2 Hindu sides and one Muslim side.
- The Hindu Side, The deity, Ram Lalla Virajman, represented by a Trilok Nath Pandey and Nirmohi Akhara, a monastery of Ram devotees.
- Representing the Muslims, the Sunni Waqf Board and the Shia Waqf Board.
The Sunni Waqf Board has spearheaded the demand for a mosque since 1961. The Sunni Waqf Board wants the mosque restored and rights to manage it. The Shia Waqf Board has backed the Hindu demand for a temple. The Shia Waqf Board wants a mosque on another site. Bagur, the Mughal ruler, who built the mosque was from the Shia sect, not Sunni.Meanwhile, the Hindu side is divided too. Both Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla’s want a temple and its management rights. The Hindu sides do not want the government’s interference in the temple. As of now, the Central Government owns the land. The Supreme Court has to device, who among the three has rights over the land? Is the partition of the land as decided by the HC is valid? Can Lord Ram’s birthplace be considered a separate entity with rights?
Timeline of Ayodhya Case
1528: Mughal king Babur’s general Mir Baql builds Babri Masjid at the site
1853: First instances of religious violence noted at the site
1859: Inner portion of the courtyard fenced off for use by Muslims. Hindus allowed use of outer area
1885: Mahant Raghubar Das requests construction of temple for Lord Ram on the land next to the mosque. Das files suit asking permission to build Ram temple in the inner courtyard
1949: Idols or Ram Lalla appear under the central dome of the mosque
1984: VHP forms committee to build temple in honor of Ram Lalla. Lal Krishna Advani heads campaign
1986: District judge’s order to unlock gates to allow Hindus to worship in the structure. Babri Mosque Action Committee created against the directive.
1989: Four suits regarding the dispute transferred to the Hich Court.
1990: LD Advani. Takes out Rath Yatra, but he is arrested before he can reach city. Karsevaks attempt to damage mosque
1991: BJP led state government in UP acquires some land so that Hindu devotees can see Ram Lalla and offer their respects
1992: On December 6, a mob tears down Babri Masjid leading to massive inter-communal riots that killed over 2000 people
Supreme Court’s decision
The Supreme Court has given its verdict in the Ayodhya land dispute case. According to the decision which has come, the disputed land will be given to the Hindus. Court has been ordered that Muslim side got 5 acres land anywhere else in Ayodhya. The central government has been ordered to form a trust. Trust will build the temple and will arrange rest. The central government will also decide the land to be given to the Muslim side in the next 3 months.
Click here to read complete chronology on The Economics TimesI hope you will enjoy the blog! If you like this blog share it with your friends. If there is any question or suggestion, then comment.
