Hindutva extremists clash with police; demand destruction of Aurangzeb's grave

Overnight clashes in the Mahal neighborhood of Nagpur, India, resulted in over a dozen injuries, burned automobiles, and bouts of stone-pelting.

The violence centered around the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a stone structure less than three yards long, which has stood on the spot for over three centuries.

The Tomb and its historical significance

In contrast to the magnificent tourist destinations of the final resting places of Mughal Kings Humayun, Akbar, and Jahangir, as well as the graves of his father Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb's ultimate resting place is simple and less ostentatious than his predecessors. However, politics, history, and emotions have collided to the point where this once-obscure monument is now at the center of a Maharashtra storm that threatens peace and harmony. 

Who was Aurangzeb?

From 1658 until 1707, Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled India for over fifty years. He is frequently portrayed as a pious Muslim who led a modest life but was brutal in his efforts to grow the empire by enforcing harsh sharia regulations and discriminatory taxes.

Although some historians point out that he also constructed a few Hindu temples, he was also accused of demolishing them. He relocated from Agra to the Deccan and established Aurangabad as his capital, determined to step up battles against the Marathas. In 1707, he passed away there. He requested to be buried in a modest mausoleum at Khuldabad, near to his spiritual master Sayyad Zain-ud-din Shirazi. 

The political and social divide

Aurangzeb, like most historical personalities, is controversial. Some argue that politics, not religious extremism, motivated his acts. In Maharashtra, however, Aurangzeb is widely considered a villain due to his prolonged war with the Marathas and his execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. Against this backdrop, Aurangabad was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2022 to honor the Maratha ruler.

The demand to remove the tomb

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi reignited the debate over Aurangzeb's tomb by declaring, "I don't think Aurangzeb was a terrible emperor. Power battles in the era were political rather than religious." Even though he eventually took back his comments, the harm had already been done and the Mughal emperor from the 17th century was once again in the news.

Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and BJP's Satara MP, was the first to call for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb from Maharashtra. "What is the need, send a JCB machine and raze his grave, he was a thief and lootera (robber).

Those who visit Aurangzeb's tomb and pay homage may be his future. The glorification of Aurangzeb will no longer be tolerated," Mr. Bhosale stated, adding that they should move the tomb to their own homes.

While acknowledging the demand, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis made it clear that the tomb is an ASI-protected monument and that any action taken against it has to conform to the law.

Protests and violence

In Nagpur, organizations such as the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and others held protests to demand the destruction of the tomb, setting a replica of the tomb and Aurangzeb's pictures on fire. Sacred phrases were allegedly scribbled on the green cloth that covered the copy, according to a video.

Tensions increased as a result, and a mob went on the rampage, attacking police officers and burning cars. Following the clashes, Maharashtra police have detained over 50 people and injured 33 police officers; shops and businesses in central Nagpur are still shut down and security has been increased throughout the city, a curfew has been enforced in certain areas of Nagpur.

The Role of Chhaava and its impact

The recent success of the Bollywood film Chhaava, which shows Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj's struggle against Aurangzeb and his eventual execution, has been connected to the clashes. The film's dramatic and largely made up depiction of historical events has increased calls for Aurangzeb's tomb to be removed. The film's INR 62.3 crore (PKR 18,211,626,202) box office receipts strengthened Hindu nationalist parties' negative perceptions of Aurangzeb and fueled Maratha pride. 

Political reactions and security measures

Maharashtra's political parties are still split on the matter. The Congress and NCP argue that the tomb removal is a distraction from pressing problems like unemployment and inflation, while the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde group) support the demand. 

‘Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj defeated Aurangzeb. His tomb here is a symbol of his failure, not his success,’ said Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena (UBT). On the other hand, BJP leader Ram Kadam stated, ‘Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. His tomb has no place in Maharashtra. Those who want to glorify him should think twice.’

To stop more turmoil, authorities have stepped up security at Aurangzeb's tomb. Following earlier efforts to damage the site, the ASI temporarily closed the tomb in 2022 before reopening it with increased security.

The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's tomb is still quite political and emotionally charged due to the rise of Hindutva extremism and the continuous protests. For now, the Maharashtra government faces the challenge of balancing historical preservation with contemporary public sentiment, ensuring that peace prevails amid the controversy.