The ghosts of Ayodhya
THE DEMOLITION OF AYODHYA’S Babri Masjid IN 1992 was a watershed moment in India’s post-independence history. As frenzied mobs of Hindu hardliners razed the mediaeval mosque, believing it was built on the birthplace of Hindu deity Ram, their actions dealt a severe blow to Indian claims of secularism.
Indeed, the Babri incident signalled the raucous arrival of the Sangh Parivar onto India’s national stage, possibly the start of a journey that would one day culminate with a Hindutva adherent in India’s driving seat.
What is troubling is that the ghosts of Ayodhya appear to have been resurrected, with a renewed campaign against several historical mosques and Muslim monuments.
A court application has been filed in Mathura seeking a ban on azan at the Shahi Idgah because, according to some Hindu groups, the sanctum sanctorum of a Krishna temple is located inside the mosque. One of the suits was filed on Shri Krishna’s behalf.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Hindu extremists are targeting the historical Qutub Complex, which includes the Qutub Minar, calling for the reconstruction of temples demolished by Qutbuddin Aibak in the 12th century.
The fact that a non-Muslim Delhi University history professor was arrested after questioning the authenticity of the Gyanvapi mosque shivling claims online reflects the mood in India regarding these historical disputes.
Unfortunately, Hindu fundamentalists in India are attempting to rewrite history.
