The community remember the mosque’s destruction, denouncing the act as a political snatching of its sacred site
AYODHA — Every year on December 6th, Indian Muslims observe a Black Day, remembering the dastardly demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 by Hindu zealots, an event that has left an indelible mark on the community and continues to resonate across the country. The Babri Masjid, a 16th-century mosque, was pulled down by a large Hindutva mob, sparking nationwide riots and communal violence that claimed thousands of lives — mostly Muslims — and affected millions.
Muslim organisations continue to regard the demolition as a politically motivated act, stating that the mosque was forcefully taken from them despite its historical and religious significance. “The destruction of Babri Masjid was not just an attack on a building, it was an attack on our faith and identity,” said Maulana Saeed Anwar, a community leader in Ayodhya.
The Babri Masjid was constructed in 1528 under the direction of Mir Baqi, a governor serving under Mughal Emperor Babar. While some claim that Babar himself demolished a Ram temple to build the mosque, historical records indicate that Babar did not directly involve himself in its construction. “It was Mir Baqi who built the mosque during Babar’s reign. The association with Babar’s name led to it being called the Babri Masjid,” explained historian Dr Rashid Alam.
Babar, whose full name was Zahiruddin Muhammad Babar, was the founder of the Mughal Empire in India. Born in 1483 in the Fergana region of present-day Uzbekistan, he was descended from both Genghis Khan and Timur, inheriting the influence of two great Central Asian dynasties. Babar laid the foundations of Mughal rule after defeating Ibrahim Lodi at the First Battle of Panipat in 1526 and establishing his administration in Delhi. Despite his short reign in India (1526–1530), Babar left a lasting legacy in administration, military strategy, and culture.
The significance of the date December 6th is rooted in the tragic events of 1992, when tensions surrounding the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute culminated in the mosque’s destruction. Riots erupted across Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and other states, leaving deep scars on the Muslim community. “December 6th reminds us of the pain and loss our community endured. It is a day of mourning, reflection, and renewed commitment to justice,” said Humayun Kabir, a West Bengal TMC MLA who recently announced the construction of a new Babri Masjid in Murshidabad, sparking national debate.
The name “Babar” itself carries a historical resonance. In Persian, it means “lion,” “brave,” or “courageous man,” reflecting the qualities celebrated in Central Asian leadership. “Babar was seen as a lion-like warrior in his time, and his name continues to symbolise courage and determination,” noted Dr Alam.
Despite the Supreme Court of India settling the Babri Masjid and Ram Janmabhoomi dispute in 2019 and paving the way for the construction of the Ram Temple, many Muslim organisations assert that the issue is far from over. They maintain that the historical injustice of the mosque’s demolition and the subsequent communal violence remain unresolved. “Even after the court verdict, our sense of loss and injustice persists. Observing Black Day is a way to honour our heritage and remember what was taken from us,” said Maulana Saeed Anwar.
The demolition of the mosque continues to evoke strong emotions on both sides. While Hindu organisations view the Ram Temple construction as a fulfilment of religious aspirations, Muslims view December 6th as a day of grief and reflection on their cultural and religious rights.
As debates continue over the site’s history and Babar’s legacy, December 6th serves as a solemn reminder for Indian Muslims of the need for communal harmony, respect for religious monuments, and acknowledgement of historical truths.
