Spatialisation of Conflict in Ayodhya: Urban Shifts in Post Babri Masjid Era

Abstract

The demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya remains a pivotal moment in modern Indian history. Against a backdrop of mounting communal tensions nationwide, this town continues to serve as the focal point for discussions on democracy, secularism, and communal harmony in the country. This thesis explores the complex dynamics of communal conflict in post-Babri Masjid Ayodhya. By identifying the factors fueling communal tensions and deconstructing their spatial dimensions, the study analyzes how urbanization amplifies the likelihood of communal conflict occurrences. The thesis offers a framework to foster social resilience in a once-agrarian town that is now rapidly urbanizing under political pressures. By redesigning a section of Ayodhya, this thesis aims to create replicable urban design strategies that promote social cohesion and reduce risks of future conflicts in a communally charged urban landscape.