By Shreyanka Nandan
The political debate about the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar district has escalated, with Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that, while there is widespread support for its removal, such action must be taken legally.
In a gathering, while delivering a speech in an event on Saturday at Mumbai, Fadnavis addressed the demand made by BJP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale about a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. Bhosale ordered the state government to the tomb of Aurangzeb, countering that it does not hold any significance in modern India. Responding to the demand, Fadnavis said, “We all want the same thing, but we have to follow the framework of the law. The tomb is a protected site under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), a decision made during the Congress regime. Any action must be taken following legal provisions.”
The controversial debate on Aurangzeb’s legacy started in Maharashtra, after a remark made by Samajwadi Party MLA, Abu Asim Azmi. After his comment, the situation inflamed and created political turmoil. It further led to his suspension from the Maharashtra legislative assembly until the end of the budget session on March 26.
Azmi’s statement sparked sharp reactions from BJP leaders, who accused him of glorifying a ruler historically criticized for his policies against Hindu communities. The opposition parties however marked the situation as BJP’s attempt to seek public attention leaving other issues.
The tomb, located at Khuldabad, was built in 1707 after the death of Aurangzeb. The tomb is now maintained by the ASI as a heritage site. However, the debate arose for its removal arguing that such historical markers should not be preserved if they evoke painful memories of oppression and injustice.
However, the demand now raised for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb has turned into debates about historical narratives and their relevance in contemporary politics. Legal scholars emphasise that since the tomb falls under ASI protection, any decision to remove it would require thorough legal processes and approvals at the central level. As a matter of gain and political traction, experts caution against tampering with heritage sites purely for political gains.
Keeping in mind the strong sentiments on both sides, the issue is likely to remain as a main point in Maharashtra’s political landscape for the coming weeks. The government’s next course of action will finalize whether the demand remains a political rhetoric or translates into tangible policy.