Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled India from 1658 to 1707 and remains one of the most controversial figures in Indian history. He ascended the throne after a brutal war of succession, defeating his brothers to seize power. Unlike his predecessors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, who adopted relatively inclusive and culturally rich policies, Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by rigid Islamic rule, the enforcement of Sharia law, and aggressive military campaigns.
Aurangzeb’s Tomb Row | Why His Grave Unadorned
Why In News
- Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled India from 1658 to 1707 and remains one of the most controversial figures in Indian history. He ascended the throne after a brutal war of succession, defeating his brothers to seize power. Unlike his predecessors Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, who adopted relatively inclusive and culturally rich policies, Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by rigid Islamic rule, the enforcement of Sharia law, and aggressive military campaigns.
Aurangzeb
- Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707, in Ahmednagar (now Ahilyanagar), Maharashtra. However, his final resting place is in Khuldabad, Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Maharashtra. According to historians, Aurangzeb had expressed his wish to be buried in Khuldabad, and his son, Azam Shah, fulfilled this request. It is believed that during his later years, Aurangzeb earned money by stitching caps to fund his burial, which reportedly cost just 14 rupees and 12 annas.
Why Is Aurangzeb’s Tomb Unadorned
- Unlike the grand mausoleums built for other Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb’s tomb is unadorned, in line with his wish to be buried in a simple open grave. His grave is plain and marked only by a plain white cloth and covered with soil, allowing herbs to grow naturally over it.
- Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, chose a simple and austere burial for himself, in line with his strict interpretation of Islamic principles. Aurangzeb has written in his will that he should be buried in a simple open-air grave, without any grand mausoleum or decoration. It is said that he financed his own funeral by earning money through stitching caps and hand-copying the Quran during his later years, requesting that the proceeds be used for his burial.
- His tomb, located in the courtyard of the dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi in Khuldabad, stands in stark contrast to the majestic tombs of emperors like Humayun in Delhi, Akbar in Sikandra, and Shah Jahan at the Taj Mahal in Agra. A low marble enclosure around the grave was later added by Lord Curzon during British rule.
What Triggered The Clashes In Nagpur
- According to police, unrest began in Mahal, home to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters, shortly after members of the Bajrang Dal staged a demonstration demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb.
- Videos of the protest circulated on social media, triggering allegations that the Quran had been set alight. This led to widespread anger among members of the Muslim community, who began assembling in various neighbourhoods. By late evening, violence had spread to Kotwali and Ganeshpeth, with reports of rioters setting vehicles ablaze and hurling stones at residential buildings.
- The most severe disturbances occurred along the Chitnis Park–Shukrawari Talao road, where several four-wheelers were torched, and police personnel came under attack.
- The order also prohibits a gathering of more than five people and bans the dissemination of rumours. Violators will face action under Section 223 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the order states.
The Controversy
- The demand for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave has gained momentum among some Hindu right-wing groups, arguing that his policies were oppressive and contrary to the nation’s secular fabric.
- These groups claim that the presence of Aurangzeb’s grave in certain areas is a symbol of oppression and should be removed or relocated. The controversy, fuelled by Hindu nationalist groups such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), revolves around demands to demolish the tomb, arguing that Aurangzeb was a tyrant who brutally persecuted Hindus and executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689.
- The controversy has gained further momentum after the release of ‘Chhaava,’ which portrays the heroic resistance of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against Aurangzeb. The film has deeply resonated with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra, reinforcing the historical grievances against the Mughal ruler.
- The movie depicts Sambhaji Maharaj’s valiant struggle against Aurangzeb, his unwavering dedication to protecting Hindu culture, and his brutal execution at the hands of the Mughal emperor. Its emotional narrative has stirred up a strong sense of Maratha pride among audiences, particularly in Maharashtra, where Sambhaji Maharaj is revered as a warrior who never surrendered.
- Scenes depicting Aurangzeb’s cruelty and his attempt to forcibly convert Sambhaji Maharaj before ordering his execution have angered many viewers. As a result, Hindu nationalist groups have found renewed justification in their demand to demolish the Aurangzeb tomb.
