The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has covered the tomb of Mughal emperor
Aurangzeb with tin sheets amid rising tensions in Maharashtra’s Sambhajinagar
district. The ASI said this because there were increasing protests and violence for
the removal of the tomb by right-wing groups. Authorities have also taken preventive
measures against an uproar as the issue has now become a critical event in the
state.
What Actually Was the Reason for Covering Up Aurangzeb’s Tomb?
The tomb situated at Khultabad around 25 km away from the district headquarters
has dominated the ongoing controversy for the last few weeks. The green net that
previously covered the tomb was now in tatters resulting in visibility from the
adjacent grave of Sufi saint Khwaja Syed Zainuddin Chishti.
On Tuesday, district collector Dilip Swami and Superintendent of Police Vinay Kumar
Rathod, in the company of ASI officials, paid a visit to the area for on-the-spot
investigation. Following their visit, it was decided to shroud the tomb with tin sheets
on either side to minimize visibility and possible conflict. By Wednesday night,
sheets and wire fencing had been placed. It has also been announced that the
officials will put in place a circular fence around the tomb for additional security.
Protests and Violence in Maharashtra
A demand to raze Aurangzeb’s tomb is increasingly taking root in Maharashtra led by
right-wing organizations such as the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal. There
was an ugly riot earlier in Nagpur this week when it was purported that a holy book of
a particular organized faith had been set on fire in a right-wing demonstration. The
protests reached riots, stone pelting, and clashes with police.
To maintain order, the security forces were called to action. Many arrests were made,
including that of Fahim Khan, a former Lok Sabha candidate from Nagpur
representing the Minority Democratic Party. He was apprehended under allegations
of leading a protest outside a police station, in retaliation to the VHP’s agitation.
The Role of Bollywood to Heat up the Debate
The issue has also gained fire with the new Bollywood flick titled Chhaava featuring
Vicky Kaushal. The movie talks about the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son
of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj tortured to death by Aurangzeb. This has brought
back much of the historical debate and placed a lot of fire into the demand for
demolishing the tomb of the Mughal emperor.
Sambhaji Maharaj himself is seen as an embodiment of anti-mughalism in many
minds in Maharashtra and his brutal execution by Aurangzeb plays a very sore note
in the history. Hence one must erase Mughal footprints from the sub-continent to
rally around.
How Authorities Would Respond
In such violence-inducing scenarios, precautionary measures by the Maharashtra
government were non-negotiable. Additional police forces have also been deployed
around Aurangzeb’s tomb and other sensitive places.
Community leaders are working towards diffusing the tensions in the area. Local
authorities have pleaded with the population to exercise restraint and not listen to or
believe lying rumors.
A Divide Within the Historical Debate
Though the debate over the Aurangzeb Tomb concerns itself with the edifice itself,
the controversy is about a much larger historical and political narrative in
Maharashtra. Aurangzeb continues to remain perhaps the most controversial figure
In Indian history—some view him as a powerful ruler while others remember him for
his intolerant policies against non-Muslims and acts such as executing Sambhaji
Maharaj.
For many right-wing groups, his tomb remains an unwanted symbol of Mughal
oppression. Historians and conservationists on the other hand argue that
monuments are part of India’s heritage and should be preserved regardless of what they
stand for.
What Happens Next?
As it stands, Aurangzeb’s tomb is covered with tin sheets while the authorities keep a
watch on the happenings. Whether these demands ever receive official sanction
seems an open question.
Then there are law and order considerations, that is to ensure the ongoing historical
debates are not turned violent. The coming days will be the crucial factor as to how
this matter is going to unfold in the state of Maharashtra.
Please read other news:
Aadhaar-Voter ID Linkage: Election Commission Gears Up for Implementation
War Returns to Gaza: Israel’s Ground Offensive Sparks Bloodshed
Kapil Dev says “You need Family But…” as he states his opinion on Virat Kohli’s issue
When and Where to Watch the March 29 Solar Eclipse in North America
Who’s Bollywood Wealthiest Star? Amitabh Bachchan’s Tax Record Tells the Story
For the latest updates, join our WhatsApp channel: