India, July 16 -- Indian civilisation, particularly Hinduism - better known culturally as Sanatan Dharma - thrived for thousands of years under the rule of Muslim invaders and the British. In spite of subjugation and tyranny, Indians did not convert en masse as happened in other civilizations of Asia, Africa and Latin America. The Indian psyche was deeply hurt when Babur, in 1528, demolished the temple at the birthplace of Lord Ram in Ayodhya, but the seething anger lingered for centuries as devotees continued to offer prayers at a raised mud platform known as the 'Ram Chabutara' within the precinct.

In November 1858, a group of 25 Nihang Sikhs, led by Baba Fakir Singh Khalsa, entered the complex and built a clay platform (Chabutara) ins...