Paromita Das
New Delhi: The demand for the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, has ignited a fresh political and communal debate in Bharat. Right-wing organizations such as the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have called for the demolition of the site, citing Aurangzeb’s historical atrocities against Hindus. They argue that the tomb serves as a reminder of oppression and Mughal imperialism and should not be glorified.
This demand has gained momentum after political figures like Minister Nitesh Rane and former MP Navneet Rana supported the call for its removal. Even Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the demand but emphasized that any action must follow legal procedures. However, opposition parties, historians, and conservationists have criticized the move, arguing that history should be preserved rather than erased.
As tensions mount, security has been tightened around the mausoleum, and authorities have taken preventive measures to avoid any potential law and order situation. This controversy raises deeper questions about how historical figures should be remembered, the intersection of history and politics, andthe legacy of the Mughal Empire in modern Bharat.
The Historical Legacy of Aurangzeb and His Tomb
Aurangzeb, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, remains one of the most controversial figures in Bharatiya history. Unlike his predecessors, who were known for their architectural contributions and policies of relative religious tolerance, Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by military conquests, religious intolerance, and the execution of his own brothers and father’s imprisonment.
His policies, which included the destruction of Hindu temples and the imposition of jizya tax on non-Muslims, have made him a deeply divisive figure. One of his most infamous acts was the capture, torture, and execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji, which further cemented his legacy as an oppressor in Maharashtra’s historical consciousness.
Aurangzeb died in 1707 in the Deccan, and unlike the grand tombs of other Mughal emperors like Humayun and Akbar, his final resting place in Khuldabad is a modest grave, as per his wishes. The tomb is protected under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and is visited by history enthusiasts and scholars.
The Political Demand for Demolition and the Threat of ‘Karseva’
Right-wing groups, particularly the Bajrang Dal and VHP, have taken a hardline stance, demanding that Aurangzeb’s tomb be removed or demolished. They argue that Bharat should not glorify a ruler who was responsible for the persecution of Hindus, destruction of temples, and forced conversions.
At a press conference in Pune, VHP Western Maharashtra coordinator Kishor Chavan called Aurangzeb’s tomb “a symbol of betrayal and Hindu persecution.” He likened the movement to the Ram Janmabhoomi campaign, stating that if the government did not act, the right-wing groups would conduct ‘karseva’ (symbolic purification) to remove the tomb themselves.
The Bajrang Dal has warned of state-wide protests if their demands are not met, and the issue has further escalated after Hindu nationalist leaders burned effigies of Aurangzeb in protest.
This has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who argue that such actions weaponize history for political gains and threaten communal harmony. Maharashtra Congress President Harshvardhan Sapkal accused the BJP and right-wing groups of creating unnecessary conflicts for electoral benefits.
The Government’s Stand and Legal Challenges
Maharashtra’s Deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis has acknowledged the demand for the tomb’s removal but has also emphasized that legal procedures must be followed. Since the site is protected under the ASI, any alteration or demolition would require legal and constitutional justification.
The Maharashtra government has tightened security around the mausoleum to prevent any attempts at unauthorized action. The State Reserve Police Force (SRPF) has been deployed, and visitor access has been restricted. Right-wing leader Milind Ekbote has been banned from entering the district until April 5, as authorities fear he may attempt to incite tensions or mobilize a demolition attempt.
Opposition to the Demolition Demand and Calls for Preservation
While right-wing groups demand the tomb’s removal, several historians, political analysts, and conservationists argue against it.
They believe that history must be preserved as it is, rather than selectively erased. Their arguments include:
- Erasing history does not change the past – Learning from history is essential rather than destroying historical sites.
- Aurangzeb’s tomb is a part of Bharatiya heritage – Removing it would set a dangerous precedent for targeting other historical monuments.
- Selective outrage is problematic – If Aurangzeb’s tomb is removed, will the same argument be applied to other controversial historical figures?
NCP MLA Rohit Pawar cautioned that removing the tomb might create unnecessary communal tensions and pointed out that the site stands as a reminder of Aurangzeb’s failure to conquer Maharashtra rather than a symbol of his success.
Media Influence and the Role of the Film ‘Chhaava’
The renewed demand for Aurangzeb’s tomb removal gained traction after the release of the Marathi film “Chhaava”, which depicts the execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj by Aurangzeb. The film has stirred emotions among Maratha and Hindu nationalist groups, further fueling the controversy.
This reflects the power of media and cinema in shaping political and social discourse, often reviving historical wounds and influencing public opinion.
Balancing History, Sentiments, and Governance
The debate over Aurangzeb’s tomb highlights the deep-rooted tensions between historical memory, political narratives, and contemporary governance.
While Aurangzeb’s legacy is undeniably controversial, erasing historical sites does not change the past—rather, it risks setting a dangerous precedent. Bharat’s strength lies in acknowledging its history, learning from it, and moving forward rather than erasing parts that are uncomfortable.
The Maharashtra government is at a crossroads—balancing public sentiment, legal constraints, and historical preservation. The outcome of this controversy will not only shape the fate of Aurangzeb’s tomb but also set an important precedent for how Bharat deals with its complex historical legacy in the future.
The post Aurangzeb’s Tomb Controversy: History, Politics, and the Debate Over Its Removal appeared first on Global Governance News- Asia's First Bilingual News portal for Global News and Updates.
