Babri Masjid

Babri Masjid
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Name	Babri Masjid
Location	Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India
Architect	Mir Baqi
Year completed	1528
Demolished	1992

Babri Masjid was a mosque in Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, India, built by Mir Baqi, a general of Mughal emperor Babur, in 1528. The mosque was constructed on a site considered sacred by Hindus, who believed it to be the birthplace of Rama, a major deity in Hinduism. This site was also significant for Muslims, as it was a place of worship for the local Muslim community, with connections to Sufism and Islamic architecture. The Babri Masjid was a notable example of Mughal architecture, with influences from Persian architecture and Indian architecture, similar to other famous mosques like the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.

● History of

Babri Masjid The history of the Babri Masjid is closely tied to the Mughal Empire and the Delhi Sultanate, with Babur and Humayun playing significant roles in its construction and maintenance. The mosque was built during the reign of Babur, who was the founder of the Mughal Empire and a descendant of Timur and Genghis Khan. The Babri Masjid was an important center of Islamic learning and Sufism, with connections to famous Sufi saints like Khawaja Moinuddin Chishti and Nizamuddin Auliya. The mosque was also a symbol of Mughal power and Islamic culture in India, with influences from Persian literature and Arabic literature. The Babri Masjid was visited by many notable figures, including Abul Fazl, Faiz Sirhind, and Dara Shikoh, who were all connected to the Mughal court and the Delhi Sultanate.

● Architecture and Design

The Babri Masjid was a notable example of Mughal architecture, with a mix of Indian architecture, Persian architecture, and Islamic architecture. The mosque was designed by Mir Baqi, who was influenced by the works of Sinan and Mimar Sinan, famous Ottoman architects. The Babri Masjid had a large courtyard, with a prayer hall and several minarets, similar to other famous mosques like the Taj Mahal and the Mosque of Muhammad Ali. The mosque was decorated with intricate carvings and calligraphy, with influences from Persian art and Arabic calligraphy. The Babri Masjid was also an important center of Islamic art and craftsmanship, with connections to famous artists like Bihzad and Reza Abbasi.

● Demolition and Aftermath

The Babri Masjid was demolished on December 6, 1992, by a group of Hindu nationalists, led by Lal Krishna Advani and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who were connected to the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The demolition was a major incident in Indian history, with significant consequences for Indian politics and communal relations. The event was widely condemned by Muslim leaders, including Syed Shahabuddin and Abul Hasan Ali Hasani Nadwi, who were connected to the All India Muslim Personal Law Board and the Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind. The demolition also led to widespread riots and violence, with connections to the Mumbai riots and the Gujarat riots.

● Legal Disputes and Verdicts

The Babri Masjid dispute has been the subject of several court cases and legal battles, with connections to the Supreme Court of India and the Allahabad High Court. The dispute began in 1885, when a Hindu priest filed a suit to build a temple on the site, which was connected to the Faizabad district court and the Ayodhya district court. The case was later taken up by the All India Hindu Mahasabha and the Vishva Hindu Parishad, who were connected to the Hindu nationalist movement. In 2010, the Allahabad High Court ruled that the site should be divided between Hindus and Muslims, with connections to the Lucknow bench and the Supreme Court of India. However, the verdict was later overturned by the Supreme Court of India in 2019, which ruled that the site should be handed over to a trust to build a temple, with connections to the Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra and the Nirmohi Akhara.

● Social and Political Impact

The Babri Masjid dispute has had a significant impact on Indian society and politics, with connections to the Hindu nationalist movement and the Muslim community. The dispute has been used by Hindu nationalist parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party and the Shiv Sena to mobilize support and create a sense of Hindu identity, with connections to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and the Ayodhya movement. The dispute has also led to increased tensions between Hindus and Muslims, with connections to the communal riots and the sectarian violence. The Babri Masjid dispute has also been the subject of several books and documentaries, including works by Arundhati Roy and William Dalrymple, who have written about the history of India and the politics of India. The dispute remains a sensitive and contentious issue in India, with connections to the Indian politics and the social justice movement. Category:Indian history