How the Ram Temple controversy started and know what is Ram Chabutra

When and how did the whole controversy about the Ram Temple begin, and how is it recorded in history?

"It is regrettable that the sacred site for Hindus was demolished and a mosque was erected in its place. However, given that 356 years have elapsed since this incident, finding a resolution to this grievance is now exceedingly challenging. Therefore, the suggested course of action at present is for all parties to maintain the status quo. This entails allowing the continuation of prayers (namaz) in the mosque while simultaneously worshipping Ram Lalla on the platform adjacent to the Babri Masjid."

The statement from Colonel F E A Shemier, the District Judge in Faizabad in 1886, carries significant historical weight. In rejecting the case of Mahant Raghuvar Das, who sought permission to construct a temple on the platform next to the mosque, claiming it to be Ram Janmabhoomi, the district judge played a crucial role. Following a personal inspection of the area, the judge concluded that a mosque had indeed been built by demolishing the Ram temple. This observation by the district judge holds historical importance, marking a key moment in the legal and historical discourse surrounding the disputed site.

During the coverage of Ayodhya, this correspondent maintained a keen curiosity about the installation date of the idols on the Ram platform adjacent to the Babri structure and the duration of the ongoing kirtan (devotional singing). The firsthand observation revealed that all the sages and saints of Ayodhya used to sit outside the platform and chant the name of Ram. Numerous devotees visited the site to have darshan (sacred viewing) of Ram from outside, and other sadhus also actively participated in various services. This on-the-ground account provides a glimpse into the religious and spiritual activities surrounding the contested site during that period.

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Whenever yours truly inquired about the duration of the kirtan from the saints, they said that devotees began the kirtan when the Ram Janmabhoomi temple was demolished. The belief was that one day, Ram Lalla (the deity Ram) would be seated at his original birthplace. Further investigation revealed that during the time of Akbar, amid controversies and conflicts, a platform was built next to the mosque and was referred to as the Ram platform.

The saints and bairagis (ascetics) were not willing to relinquish their claim on the land. As per their statements, the idols from Guptar Ghat were transported by elephant and subsequently installed on the Ram Chabutara (platform) within the complex adjacent to the Babri Masjid in Ramkot, Ayodhya. Worship was conducted throughout the day, and due to security considerations, bairagis and devotees chose to stay within the premises. Outside the platform, the continuous kirtan of "Sita Ram Sita Ram" echoed, accompanied by the melodious tunes of the harmonium.

In fact, the issue related to the site remained unsettled even after the construction of the Babri Masjid, and the controversy continued. In 1885, Mahant Baba Raghuvar Das of Nirmohi Akhara initiated the first legal battle in this matter. Notably, he began the construction of a grand temple adjacent to the Babri Masjid. However, this construction was halted following a court order.

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Following the demolition of the Ram temple, various efforts were made to facilitate Hindu worship at the site. In 1852, a riot erupted concerning this issue, and an attempt was made to seize the Babri Masjid. However, the British intervened to restore peace and issued an order stipulating that namaz would be conducted inside the mosque while worship for Hindus would take place outside on the Ram Chabutra. Subsequently, permission was sought from Wajid Ali Shah to offer prayers and construct a small temple on the nearby Ram Chabutra in Ayodhya. Wajid Ali Shah granted permission for these activities.

In response to objections from some members of the Muslim community, Wajid Ali Shah expressed sentiments reminiscent of Asaf-ud-Daula, stating, "We are people of love; we are not aware of religion. Whether it's the Kaaba or a butkhana, it doesn't matter." While permission was granted for worship at the Ram Chabutra, the construction of a temple was not permitted. Following the mutiny, disputes over religious places erupted in various places, and the British, being vigilant about such issues, cordoned off these premises due to the ongoing disputes.

Mahant Raghuvar Das faced legal setbacks, and his attempts to build a temple at the disputed site were unsuccessful. However, the dispute continued to intensify over time. Babri Masjid endured attacks and vandalism in both 1912 and 1934. In response to the damage, the British authorities orchestrated repairs, entrusting the task to a Muslim contractor to manage the situation.

In reality, this mosque was not constructed on Waqf land, and on paper, it was referred to as Janmabhoomi. It is evident that the mosque was built, but on official documents, it continued to be labelled and registered as Janmabhoomi Masjid. In 1861, there was manipulation in the revenue records, and the terms "Jama Masjid" and "Masjid" were added separately. Subsequently, this manipulation was proven in the investigation conducted by the Uttar Pradesh government.

(This is a translated version of a previous article published on the Hindi Moneycontrol website on January 1.)