The disputed site has been a flashpoint of continued conflagration over decades.
In 1856-57, riots broke out between Hindus and Muslims in the vicinity of the structure.
The colonial Government attempted to raise a buffer between the two communities to maintain law and order by setting up a grill-brick wall having a height of six or seven feet.
This would divide the premises into two parts: the inner portion which would be used by the Muslim community and the outer portion or courtyard, which would be used by the Hindu community.
The outer PART A 10 courtyard has several structures of religious significance for the Hindus, such as the Sita Rasoi and a platform called the Ramchabutra.
In 1877, another door was opened on the northern side of the outer courtyard by the colonial Government, which was given to the Hindus to control and manage.
The bifurcation, as the record shows, did not resolve the conflict and there were numerous attempts by one or other of the parties to exclude the other.
The case is much more complicated than the Hindu-Muslim dispute that it is often presented as.
There are several Hindu and Muslim parties involved, with contradictory positions.