(The Asian Independent)
Appeal to save Buddhist Heritage at Ayodhya
While the whole of the World is engulfed with the deadly pandemic, Covid 19 and everybody is concentrating to save the lives, the Indian Government has chosen this critical time to build the Ram Temple at Ayodhya. It is claimed that during the levelling of land, the remains and antiquities found are of an ancient Hindu temple. This claim is utterly incorrect and misleading as the pictures/videos clearly shows that the relics found are of a Buddhist shrine. There is a historical and even archaeological evidence that Ayodhya was Buddhist place and one time there were a number of Buddha Viharas existed. We must raise our voice to save our Buddhist heritage and ask the government to do a thorough excavation in the presence of the representatives of Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim scholars. Federation of Ambedkarites and Buddhist Organisations UK has sent a letter to the President of India and Archaeological Survey of India saving our heritage from destruction.
– Arun Kumar
- His Excellency the President of India
- Rashtrapati Bhaven
- New Delhi
27 May 2020
Please order the Archaeological Survey of India to secure and preserve the Buddhist Site and artefacts excavated at the Ram temple site in Ayodhya
Dear Sir,
It is with utmost regret sadness that I have to write that whilst the whole of India is fighting against the deadly Coronavirus pandemic and thousands of people have lost their lives and many thousands suffering, the government is prioritising the Ram temple construction. It has been reported by the media and news channels that during the land levelling for the construction of the temple in Ayodhya, a lot of Buddhist ruins and antiquities are found. Furthermore, it is being falsely claimed that they are of an ancient Hindu temple. I must bring in your notice that the building remains/ruins found previously in the excavation carried out as per the order of the High Court were not found to be of any Hindu temple. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has already stated in its report. The Supreme Court of India gave the Ayodhya Ram temple decision on the basis of ‘belief’ and not firm evidence. The videos/photographs of the relics found clearly show that the site was a Buddhist Temple.
If these artefacts and remains of an ancient Buddhist monument are destroyed, it would be in contravention to Section 30, Clause (1) Sub-Clause (1) of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act 1958 amended in 2010.
It would be highly appreciated if you intervene and order ASI to secure the site and preserve our national heritage. I also request that a further excavation is carried out in the presence of Buddhist, Hindu and Muslim representatives so that the research is not compromised.
- Yours Sincerely
- Arun Kumar
- General Secretary
