Sabke Ram: In a momentous ceremony, Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially inaugurated the grand Ram Temple in Ayodhya, adorned with nearly 400 pillars, 44 doors, and a pristine idol of Lord Ram. The event drew dignitaries, religious leaders, politicians, and Bollywood celebrities.1528: Genesis of the dispute with Babri Masjids constructionThe roots of the Ram Temple movement trace back to 1528 when Mir Baqi, a Mughal commander, built the Babri Masjid. The belief in its construction over a Hindu temple laid the foundation for a 500-year debate and tensions between communities.1751: Maratha claim and subsequent controversiesHistorian Balbir Punj notes that the Marathas sought control of Ayodhya, Kashi, and Mathura in 1751, setting the stage for prolonged contentions. This period marked the emergence of multiple claims over Ayodhya.1858: Nihang Sikhs attempt to claim Babri MasjidNihang Sikhs endeavored to claim Babri Masjid as Lord Rams birthplace in 1858. This incident foreshadowed future conflicts, with the Supreme Court acknowledging the claim in its 2019 ruling.1885: First legal suit by Nirmohi AkharaIn 1885, priest Raghubar Das filed the first legal suit, seeking permission to build a temple in the outer courtyard. Though dismissed, it set a legal precedent, maintaining the disputes vitality.1949: Ram Lalla idols inside Babri Masjid ignite legal battlesThe placement of Ram Lalla idols inside Babri Masjid in 1949 intensified religious sentiments, sparking legal battles over ownership. This marked the first courtroom clash over the property.1950-1959: Surge in legal suitsThe subsequent decade witnessed a surge in legal suits, with Nirmohi Akhara claiming worship rights and the Sunni Central Waqf Board seeking possession of the site. The legal intricacies deepened.1986-1989: Babri Masjid locks opened, fueling tensionsIn 1986, during the Congress government led by Rajiv Gandhi, the locks of Babri Masjid were opened, allowing Hindu worship. This move heightened tensions and became a pivotal moment in the Ram Janmabhoomi narrative.1990: LK Advanis Rath Yatra and escalating demandsThe Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) set a deadline for Ram Mandir construction in 1990, escalating demands. LK Advanis Rath Yatra mobilized political support, marking a significant shift in the movement.1992: The infamous demolition1992 witnessed the infamous demolition of Babri Masjid by Hindu activists, altering Indian politics. Despite assurances to the Supreme Court, the cataclysmic event unfolded, leading to widespread repercussions.1993-1994: Post-demolition riots and legal rulingsCommunal riots erupted in the aftermath of the demolition in 1993-94, resulting in loss of lives and properties. The PV Narasimha Rao-led governments acquisition faced legal challenges but was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1994.2002-2003: ASIs Excavation and Allahabad High Court HearingThe Allahabad High Court commenced the title case hearing in 2002, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted excavations, claiming evidence of a Hindu temple beneath the mosque.2009-10: Liberhan report submission and legal developmentsAfter 16 years and 399 sittings, the Liberhan Commission submitted its report in 2009, naming key leaders involved in the Babri Masjid demolition. The Allahabad High Courts 2010 verdict attempted resolution but faced appeals.2019: Supreme Courts historic judgmentIn a landmark 2019 judgment, the Supreme Court awarded the disputed land to Hindus for the Ram Temple and allocated an alternate site for a mosque, concluding a long legal battle.2020: Ram Temple foundation stone, construction initiationPrime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone in August 2020, marking the initiation of the Ram Temples construction. The formation of Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust further facilitated the process.2024: PM Modi inaugurates the Ram TempleOn January 22, 2024, Prime Minister Modi led the consecration ceremony of Ram Lallas idol in the newly-built Ayodhya temple.
