India’s Prime Minister Inaugurates Ram Temple in Ayodhya, Marking Hindu Triumphalism
In a historic moment for India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the grand Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh. The construction of this temple has been a four-decade-long campaign by Hindu far-right groups, culminating in a triumph for the Hindu community. The temple is built on the site where the 16th-century Babri Masjid mosque stood until it was demolished by Hindu mobs in 1992, leading to widespread Hindu-Muslim riots and the loss of thousands of lives.
The dispute over the site dates back centuries, with Hindus claiming that the mosque was built on the birthplace of their chief deity, Ram. Muslims had offered prayers at the mosque until 1949 when idols of Ram were allegedly placed inside by Hindu priests. This led to the government declaring the mosque a “disputed property” and locking its gates. Civil suits were filed over the years, with Hindu far-right groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) campaigning for the construction of a temple.
The turning point came in 2019 when the Indian Supreme Court ruled in favor of a Hindu trust, granting them ownership of the land. This decision was seen as a symbol of religious triumphalism and has further polarized Indian politics, benefiting the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of upcoming general elections.
To understand the significance of this event, let’s take a look at the timeline of the mosque-temple dispute:
1528: Babri Mosque Construction
Under the rule of Mughal king Babur, Mughal commander Mir Baqi built the Babri Mosque.
1853: First Recorded Conflict
A Hindu sect claimed that a temple was destroyed during Babur’s reign to make way for the mosque.
1859: British Partition
The British colonial administration divided the site into separate sections for Hindus and Muslims, allowing each community to worship in their designated areas.
1949: Mosque Becomes a ‘Disputed Property’
Idols of Ram deity were allegedly placed inside the mosque by Hindu priests, leading to the government declaring it a “disputed property.”
1984: Hindu Temple Committee
Hindu far-right groups formed a committee to spearhead the construction of a Hindu temple.
1990: BJP’s Ram Temple Campaign
BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani led a nationwide campaign for the construction of a temple, resulting in violence and his arrest.
1992: Mosque Demolition
A Hindu nationalist mob tore down the Babri Mosque, triggering Hindu-Muslim riots across the country.
2003: Archaeological Survey
Archaeologists conducted a court-directed survey, finding evidence of a temple beneath the mosque, although this was disputed by many archaeologists and Muslims.
2010: Site to be ‘Shared’
The Allahabad High Court ruled that Hindus and Muslims should share the disputed site, with two-thirds belonging to Hindu groups and the rest to the Muslim group.
2019: Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court ruled that the land should be handed over to a trust for the construction of a Hindu temple, with a separate piece of land awarded to Muslim groups.
2020: Foundation Stone Laid
Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the temple, marking a significant moment in India’s history.
2024: Temple Consecration
Despite some pending construction, the Ram temple is consecrated in a grand ceremony attended by prominent figures, Hindu spiritual leaders, and Prime Minister Modi. The temple will open to the public and devotees from Tuesday.
The inauguration of the Ram Mandir temple in Ayodhya is a momentous occasion for Hindus in India. It represents the culmination of a long-standing campaign and symbolizes religious triumphalism. However, it also raises concerns about the polarization of Indian politics and the shift towards a Hindu-first nation. As the temple opens its doors to the public, it remains to be seen how this development will shape the future of India’s secular democracy.