In this blog post, we will explore the history and controversy surrounding Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. The construction of Ram Mandir has been a long-standing issue, which has sparked tensions and debates in India. We will delve into the background of the dispute, the legal battles, and the recent developments. Let’s explore the journey of Ram Mandir from its inception to the present day.
The Historical Background
The dispute over the land on which Ram Mandir is located dates back to ancient times. The Ayodhya district, which was previously known as Faizabad, holds great historical and religious significance. According to the scriptures, Ayodhya was the kingdom of Kosala and the capital of Maharaja Kush, the son of Lord Ram. It is believed that Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya, making it a sacred place for Hindus.
The Legal Battles
The legal battles surrounding the Ram Mandir dispute have been ongoing for decades. In 1857, during the Indian Rebellion, the Mughals lost control over the northern and western parts of India, including Ayodhya. The British took over and appointed Robert Montgomery Martin as the administrator of the region. Martin conducted a survey and submitted a report stating that there were Hindu and Muslim structures in the disputed area.
In 1885, Mahant Raghuvar Das filed a plea in the Faizabad court seeking permission to construct a temple on the Ram Chabutra, a raised platform believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram. However, the plea was dismissed by the district judge, and the ownership of the land remained in dispute.
The tensions surrounding the Ram Mandir escalated in 1947 when India gained independence from British rule. The country was divided into India and Pakistan, leading to communal riots and the displacement of millions of people. The Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute became one of the most sensitive and contentious issues during this time.
The Babri Masjid Demolition
The turning point in the Ram Mandir dispute came on December 6, 1992, when the Babri Masjid, a mosque built by the Mughals in the 16th century, was demolished by a large mob. The demolition resulted in widespread communal violence and tensions across the country. The incident led to legal repercussions and multiple court cases were filed by both Hindu and Muslim groups.
The Court Proceedings
The legal battle reached its peak with the Supreme Court’s involvement. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court divided the disputed land into three parts, with two-thirds going to Hindu groups and one-third to Muslim groups. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court, and the case went through a series of hearings and discussions.
In November 2019, the Supreme Court announced its verdict, stating that the disputed land measuring 2.77 acres would be given to the Hindu groups, represented by the Ram Janmabhoomi Trust. The court also ordered the government to provide an alternative plot of land measuring 5 acres to the Muslim groups for the construction of a mosque.
The Construction of Ram Mandir
Following the Supreme Court’s verdict, the construction of Ram Mandir began in Ayodhya. On August 5, 2020, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and performed the Bhumi Pujan ceremony. The construction of the temple is expected to be completed by December 2024. Currently, the ground floor of the temple is ready, and work is underway on the second and third floors.
Conclusion
The Ram Mandir dispute in Ayodhya has been a significant issue in India for many years. The legal battles and controversies surrounding the construction of the temple have raised tensions among different communities. The Supreme Court’s verdict and the subsequent construction of Ram Mandir mark a crucial milestone in this long-standing dispute. As the temple takes shape, it represents a symbol of faith and unity for millions of devotees.
