According to an ASI ex-officer, “we found pillars and Hindu symbols in the first Ayodhya excavation”

LUCKNOW: When Ayodhya was not a hot topic, in 1976–1977, retired ASI officer KK Muhammed started working as a trainee under Prof. BB Lal, who oversaw the first excavation, to have his first taste of the site. This restorer of over 100 Hindu temples was a special invitee to Monday’s consecration ceremony. He emphasized the evidence discovered during the first dig, highlighting the presence of a temple underneath the Babri mosque.

“We saw twelve pillars, and it was evident that they were part of a temple.
The Hindu emblem for prosperity, “purna kalasha,” was located in the bottom half of the pillars. One of the eight auspicious symbols, or “ashta mangal chinhas,” it is often seen in Hindu architecture, particularly those constructed in the 12th century. That served as the first piece of proof. After that, Prof. Lal dug farther in the western and southern sections, finding additional sculptures typical of Hindu temples. Hindu symbols were rather obvious, however some were vandalized. That was the second piece of proof. The final piece of evidence were terracotta idols. “Dr. Lal came to the conclusion that a temple might exist beneath the mosque,” he said.
Later, when criticism surfaced, Muhammad supported Lal’s findings, affirmed his involvement, and called for the shrine to be built at the location. “Prof Lal avoided highlighting his work because he believed it would incite others. He dismissed it as a study finding. More than ten years later, a group of Marxist historians declared on their own initiative that Prof. Lal had not received any information on the temple. Prof. Lal had to stand up for himself. He returned to the press and provided another accurate report.”
When considering the importance of Ayodhya to Hindus, Muhammad said that it was clear that Hindus were grieving over the centuries-old incident (the temple’s demolition). “Ayodhya is as important for Hindus as Mecca and Madina are for Muslims,” he said. He maintained his conviction in the face of threats and a fatwa, which prompted an internal investigation and a relocation to Goa.
Muhammad emphasized the thorough work of the second excavation, which was overseen by Professor BR Mani and resulted in the finding of pillars, sculptures, terracotta idols, and inscriptions that were consistent with a temple.
“Although I was the only Muslim working here, in Mani’s excavation, 25% of the laborers doing earthwork were Muslim employees assigned to make sure there was no prejudice or collusion. Everything was captured on camera.With a boom, the truth was out,” said the former ASI officer.