Rama, His Historicity, Mandir and Setu

This seeks to present archaeological facts in regard to the three more or less allied topics: 1. Was Rama a figment of the poet Valmiki's imagination or is there any evidence of his life. 2. Was there a temple in teh Janma-Bhumi area at Ayodhya, prior to the construction of the Babari Masjir? 3. What were the credentials of Rama Setu?