KK Muhammed, the man whose team was the first to uncover the ruins of a temple on the western side of the demolished Babri Mosque in 1976, has largely remained a figure known only for his professional achievements. However, his personal struggles and relentless pursuit of truth are detailed in a new book, Padma Bharti — Ordinary Indians, Extraordinary Triumphs, curated by Jay Jina. This book sheds light on the immense opposition Muhammed faced throughout his career, especially from prominent figures and institutions.
The book reveals that Muhammed’s journey was fraught with challenges, particularly from the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and its renowned left-leaning historian, Irfan Habib. Muhammed’s steadfast belief in the truth of the Ram Mandir claim led him to defy conventional norms and service rules. His public stance against the prevailing theory that the mosque was built on a site without any preceding temple, and his subsequent findings, drew substantial criticism. Despite the risks, including potential job loss, he chose to publish his findings in a national daily, challenging the prevailing academic consensus.
Born into a poor Malayali family in Koduvally near Kozhikode, Muhammed’s rise from humble beginnings to becoming a respected archaeologist is both remarkable and inspiring. His father worked as a truck driver, and his mother hoped he would become a religious priest. The poverty he faced was just the beginning of his challenges. As he entered AMU, his enthusiasm for history was met with disillusionment. His political affiliations and the dominance of Habib’s group in the history department led to numerous obstacles. Despite his keen interest and qualifications, Muhammed was repeatedly denied opportunities such as a PhD program and research scholarships in favor of candidates aligned with the establishment.
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The book highlights that Muhammed’s difficulties did not end with AMU. Upon joining the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), he encountered further resistance from Habib’s camp. His discovery of the Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri significantly elevated his stature, but it also led to informal retaliation, including being demoted and barred from accessing university library resources. This resistance only hardened Muhammed’s resolve to document and counteract what he saw as flawed scholarship and unfair practices.
Muhammed’s 24-year tenure with ASI was marked by frequent transfers, often occurring when he was expected to receive accolades. His early assignments included Chennai, where he was initially posted despite his significant discovery in Agra. During the peak of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1990s, his past work in Ayodhya led him to support the call for a detailed excavation to confirm the existence of a temple beneath the mosque. This stance, which could have led to immediate dismissal, was defended by his claim of acting out of “dharma.” Fortunately, intervention by bureaucrat-scholar Iravatham Mahadevan helped him avoid dismissal, resulting in a transfer to Goa instead.
Muhammed’s troubles continued with subsequent promotions and transfers. In Agra, he opposed a proposed shopping complex in the heritage area between the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort, a project supported by BSP Supremo Mayawati. His principled stand led to another transfer, this time to Raipur, where he had to negotiate with Naxals to protect his work. In Bhopal, he managed to persuade local dacoits to allow his team to continue their exploration. His proactive measures included reaching out to the RSS Chief when faced with threats from the mining lobby in a BJP-ruled state.
KK Muhammed’s life, as portrayed in Padma Bharti, is a testament to extraordinary resilience and commitment to truth. His story is not just about academic and professional achievements but also about standing firm against adversities, whether they come from powerful institutions, ideological adversaries, or systemic obstacles. This book offers a glimpse into the lives of twelve Padma awardees, illustrating their extraordinary contributions and struggles. Muhammed’s narrative stands out as a powerful example of unwavering dedication and courage in the face of immense opposition.
