The text in annexure, Ram Janmabhoomi / Babri Masjid at Ayodhya : An Archaeological and Art-Historical Examination, by dr.  S.P.  Gupta, is a detailed survey of those findings at the disputed site which are relevant for the present discussion.  It lists the details about the components of an earlier temple that have been re-employed in The Babri Masjid, and the results of excavations just outside the building.  These excavations were carried out in 1975-80 by the Archaeological Survey of India, and led by prof. B.B. Lal.  Their object of investigation was primarily the early period, presumed to have been the period of the events which formed the historical core of the Ramayana epic.  Therefore, the findings relating to the medieval period have not been highlighted in the concise ASI excavation reports published so far.

Dr. S.P. Gupta, former director of the Allahabad Museum, who participated in the excavations, has written this first-hand report on the category of findings pertinent to the present discussion.  His conclusions have been broadly confirmed by prof. B.B. Lal, in an article published in Manthan (October 1990), as well as in an interview with BBC television.

Incidentally, we have taken note of the fact that some historians of Jawaharlal Nehru University have thought it necessary to raise suspicions against the professional integrity of dr.  Gupta and prof. Lal.  In a statement published in Indian Express (December 5, 1990), they insinuate that dr. Gupta falsely claims participation in the excavations, and that prof. Lal has changed his archaeological conclusions in order to satisfy newly arisen political exingencies.  Both these insinuations are baseless.  The fact that the JNU historians, protagonists of the anti-Mandir camp in the present historical debate, now find it necessary to resort to personal attacks, may indicate an increasing loss of confidence in their own arguments.  (see Annexure 28)