Turning point in Indian history
On December 6, 1992, Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh became the epicentre of one of the most contentious events in Indian history — the demolition of the Babri Masjid. The incident had far-reaching implications, shaping the political, social and cultural landscape of the country.
The masjid, a 16th-century mosque built under the patronage of Mughal emperor Babur, had long been at the centre of a fierce dispute. A section of Hindus believed that the mosque stood on the birthplace of Lord Rama and claimed that it was constructed after demolishing a Hindu temple. This belief gained traction in the late 20th century, driven by a surge in religious and political mobilisation.
The dispute escalated in the 1980s when the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and other allied organisations launched a campaign to reclaim the site for the construction of a Ram temple. The BJP, under the leadership of figures like LK Advani, also adopted the Ram Janmabhoomi movement as a key political plank, further polarising the issue.
On the fateful day of December 6, 1992, a large gathering of kar sevaks (volunteers) assembled in Ayodhya. Despite assurances by political leaders and organisers that the rally would remain peaceful, the mob turned violent. Overwhelming the security forces present, the crowd demolished the masjid, reducing it to rubble within hours. The act was captured live on television, sending shockwaves across the nation and the world.
The demolition triggered widespread communal violence, leading to riots in several parts of India that claimed thousands of lives. It also intensified the communal divide, with long-lasting repercussions for India’s secular fabric. Politically, the incident marked the ascendancy of the BJP as a major national force, while also galvanising opposition from secular and minority groups.
The legal and judicial aftermath of the demolition has been protracted and contentious. The Liberhan Commission, set up to investigate the incident, submitted its report in 2009, blaming key political leaders and organisations for their role in the demolition. Meanwhile, the title dispute over the site continued for decades, culminating in the historic 2019 Supreme Court verdict. The court awarded the land to the Hindu claimants for the construction of a Ram temple, while directing the government to provide an alternative site for the construction of a mosque.
The demolition of the masjid remains a watershed moment in India’s history. It exposed deep-seated communal tensions, reshaped the political discourse and tested the resilience of India’s secular principles. While the construction of the temple is underway, the legacy of the masjid’s demolition serves as a reminder of the need for dialogue, understanding and coexistence in a pluralistic society.
