1528 A mosque is built on the site which some Hindus claim is the birthplace of Lord Rama
1859 After first recorded violence in 1853, the British administration erects a fence to
separate the places of worship, allowing the inner court to be used by Muslims and the outer one by Hindus.
1949 Idols of Lord Rama appear inside mosque, placed allegedly by Hindus. Muslims protest; both parties file civil suits. Premises are proclaimed ‘disputed’ and gates are locked.
1984 Hindus under the VHP decide to build a Ram temple at his birthplace
1985 The Rajiv government succumbs to Muslim demands and overturns the Supreme Court decision in the Shah Bano case.
1986 To appease Hindus, the district judge at Ayodhya is ordered to open the gates of the mosque. It allows Hindus to worship there. Muslims protest.
1989 VHP steps up campaign, laying the shilanyas (foundation) of a Ram temple on land adjacent to the disputed mosque
Sep 1990 Advani begins rath yatra, fostering discord which flared up into riots post-demolition
Dec 6, 1992 The mosque is demolished by radical Hindu groups as senior BJP leaders watch. Riots break out across India, 2,000-odd dead.
Dec 16, 1992 The M.S. Liberhan Commission is set up to inquire into the demolition
Feb 2002 VHP sets deadline for temple construction. Hundreds of kar sevaks arrive in Ayodhya. On their return, 58 of them are killed in the Godhra train fire.
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Mar 2002 Over 2,000 die in the post-Godhra riots in Gujarat
Sep 2003 A court rules that seven Hindu leaders should stand trial for inciting the Babri destruction, but no charges are brought against L.K. Advani
JUL 2005 Disputed site is attacked by terrorists. Security forces kill five militants.
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Nov 2009 The Liberhan report is tabled hurriedly in Parliament after it’s leaked to a daily
