부산대학교 도서관

Religious conflict runs deep in the Indian populace and extends far underground. Last week, Indian archaeologists reported evidence of an ancient "massive structure" beneath one of the country's most sensitive religious sites as of September 05, 2003. The results are expected to bolster claims by Hindus that a temple occupied the site long before a 16th century mosque and anger Muslims who see the results as another attack on their faith. The Ayodhya site, excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), is believed to be the birthplace of the immensely popular Hindu god Rama. In 1992 a mob tore down the Babri Masjid mosque, thought to be built in 1528 by the first Mughal king, Babur, and activists have demanded that a temple be erected in its place. In March 2003, the Uttar Pradesh state court ordered ASI to scientifically investigate the claim that a temple predated the mosque in hopes of resolving the land dispute. Barely 2 weeks after completing an excavation of the 3900-square-meter site, ASI reported uncovering evidence of pillar bases, remains of which are distinctive features found associated with the temples of north India.