Sabke Ram: Timeline Of 500-Year Journey From 1528 To 2024 That Led To Ayodhya's Ram Mandir
1528: Babri Masjid's Origin
The Ram Temple movement traces its roots back to the construction of the Babri Masjid in 1528 by Mir Baqi, a commander of Mughal emperor Babur. The belief that the mosque was built on the ruins of a Hindu temple initiated decades of debate and clashes between two communities.
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1751: A Maratha Claim
Writer and former Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Punj, in his book Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India, notes the Marathas claim to Ayodhya, Kashi and Mathura in 1751, laying the groundwork for subsequent contentions.
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1858: Nihang Sikhs' Demand
In 1858, Nihang Sikhs attempted to claim Babri Masjid as Lord Rams birthplace, marking the inception of the struggle for control over the disputed site. The Supreme Courts 2019 ruling acknowledged this historical event.
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1885: First Legal Claim
Raghubar Das, a priest of the Nirmohi Akhara, filed the initial legal suit in 1885, seeking permission to build a temple on the mosques outer courtyard. Though dismissed, it set a legal precedent, keeping the dispute alive.
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1949: 'Ram Lalla' Idols Inside Babri Masjid
On December 22, 1949, Ram Lalla idols were placed inside the Babri Masjid, heightening religious sentiments and sparking legal battles over ownership. The Hindus claimed the idols appeared inside the mosque, leading to the first property dispute in court.
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1950-1959: Legal Suits Multiply
The following decade witnessed a surge in legal suits, with Nirmohi Akhara seeking rights to worship the idols and the Sunni Central Waqf Board seeking possession of the site, deepening the legal quagmire.
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1986-1989: Babri Masjid Locks Opened
In 1986, during the Rajiv Gandhi-led Congress government, the controversial opening of the Babri Masjid locks occurred, allowing Hindus to worship inside. This decision became a pivotal moment in the Ram Janmabhoomi narrative.
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1990: LK Advani Leads Rath Yatra
In 1990, Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) set a deadline for the Ram Mandir construction, triggering demands for a temple. BJP veteran LK Advanis Rath Yatra began, marking a seismic shift as political leaders mobilised support for the liberation of Ram Janmabhoomi.
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1990: Failed Demolition Attempt
Amidst rising political tensions and the Mandal Commissions implementation, L.K. Advanis 1990 Rath Yatra aimed to mobilise support for the temple. Despite a failed attempt to demolish the mosque, it marked a significant turning point in the movement.
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1992: The Infamous Demolition
The year 1992 witnessed the climax – the demolition of the Babri Masjid by Hindu activists. Despite assurances to the Supreme Court, the cataclysmic event and ensuing riots changed Indian politics forever.
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1993-1994: Post-Demolition Riots
In the aftermath of the Babri Masjids demolition in 1992, communal riots erupted across India, resulting in loss of lives and properties.
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1994: Challenge to Central Govt's Acquisition
The PV Narasimha Rao-led Central governments acquisition of the disputed area in 1994 faced a legal challenge from Dr Ismail Faruqui, leading to a Supreme Court ruling upholding the acquisition.
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2002-2003: ASI's Excavation
In 2002, the Allahabad High Court began hearing the title case, and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted excavations, claiming evidence of a Hindu temple beneath the mosque. The legal battle continued.
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2009-10: Liberhan Report Submission
After 399 sittings over 16 years, the Liberhan Commission submitted its report in June 2009, revealing details of the Babri Masjid demolition and implicating key leaders.
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2010: Allahabad HC's Verdict
The Allahabad High Courts 2010 verdict aimed to settle the dispute by dividing the land among Hindus, Muslims, and the Nirmohi Akhara. However, the decision faced appeals and further legal challenges.
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2019: SC's Historic Judgment
In a landmark 2019 judgment, the Supreme Court awarded the entire disputed land to Hindus for the Ram Temple construction and allocated an alternate site for the mosque.
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2020: Ram Temple Foundation Stone
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the grand Ram Temple on August 5, 2020, leading to the formation of the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust and bringing closure to a prolonged legal saga.
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2024: PM Modi Inaugurates The Ram Temple
PM Modi led the consecration ceremony of the idol of Ram Lalla in the newly-built temple in Ayodhya on January 22, 2024.
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