A heated debate has engulfed Maharashtra over the grave of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, with multiple protests erupting across the state. Right-wing groups are demanding the demolition of his tomb in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, intensifying tensions over historical legacies.
Right-Wing Groups Issue Warnings
Organizations like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal have issued threats to conduct ‘karseva’ and statewide rallies if their demand is not met. The groups have planned to submit a formal petition to the state government on Monday, urging legal action for the removal of Aurangzeb’s grave.
The controversy reignited after BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, publicly called for the tomb’s demolition, citing Aurangzeb’s history of conflict with the Marathas.
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Maratha Legacy vs. Aurangzeb’s Rule
Aurangzeb remains a contentious figure in Maharashtra’s history due to his prolonged wars against the Marathas, particularly his role in the capture, torture, and execution of Sambhaji Maharaj, the son of Shivaji Maharaj. The recent release of the historical film “Chhava”, which portrays these events, has further fueled the discourse.
Pune Protestors Burn Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Poster
Amidst the escalating protests, demonstrators in Pune were seen burning a poster of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar II, Aurangzeb’s great-great-grandson. In a symbolic act of defiance, they also adorned his image with a garland of footwear.
Who Was Bahadur Shah Zafar?
Bahadur Shah II, popularly known as Bahadur Shah Zafar, was the last Mughal emperor and a noted Urdu poet. His rule was largely symbolic, confined to the walled city of Old Delhi (Shahjahanabad). After being accused of participating in the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the British exiled him to Rangoon (modern-day Yangon, Myanmar) in 1858.
Some of his famous Urdu ghazals include:
- “Baat karni mujhe mushkil kabhi aisi to na thi”
- “Lagta nahin hai dil mera ujDe dayar mein”
Political and Historical Tensions Rise
As Maharashtra grapples with this intensifying debate, all eyes are now on the state government’s response to the growing demand for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s grave. With protests spreading and political figures joining the conversation, the issue has become a flashpoint in historical and cultural discourse.