No Hindu Temple Found Under Ruins of Mosque
After completing a five-month excavation, government archeologists say they have found no evidence of an ancient Hindu temple under the ruins of a 16th century mosque in the northern Indian town of Ayodhya.
The issue has inflamed Hindus and Muslims since a Hindu mob razed the mosque in 1992, triggering nationwide riots that killed more than 3,000 people. Hindu nationalists say the Babri mosque stood above a temple marking the birthplace of the god Rama, an avatar of Krishna, sustainer of the universe.
Muslims and Hindus are now vying for rights to build on the site of the mosque, built by the Mogul emperor Babur.
The excavation was commissioned by the Allahabad High Court.
Hindu organizations have expressed dissatisfaction with the excavation’s results, arguing that evidence of a temple could be buried farther down.
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