• Mou Mou
• 16 Apr, 2025

A letter urging the United Nations to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar has sparked attention. Written by Yakub Habibuddin Tuchi who claims to be a descendant of the last Mughal emperor, the plea seeks security for the historic site amid rising tensions and violence in Nagpur.

Details & Context

Location of the Tomb: The tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb is located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra. The area once called Aurangabad was renamed to honour Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji.

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Recent Violence: Nagpur recently witnessed violent protests over the tomb, fuelled by provocative remarks, vandalism, arson and effigy burning. The unrest was triggered by the Bollywood movie Chhawa which critics claim distorts history and portrays Aurangzeb negatively.

Plea to the UN: Yakub Habibuddin Tuchi, identifying as the caretaker of the Waqf property housing the tomb, wrote to the UN Secretary-General, requesting security forces to protect the site. He cited the 1958 Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act, which grants the tomb “National Importance.”

Legal Protection: The tomb is safeguarded under Indian and international laws including the 1972 UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage Convention which India signed. Any damage or illegal alteration to the site violates these regulations.

Quotes

Yakub Habibuddin Tuchi’s Letter: “Movies, media and social platforms distort history, playing with people’s emotions. Hate is being spread, baseless protests are happening and effigies are being burned to show aggression.”

On Cultural Preservation: “Protecting our cultural heritage for current and future generations is a must, as stated in international law,” Tuchi emphasized.

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis (Controversial Remark): “It’s unfortunate that the government must protect Aurangzeb’s tomb despite his brutal killings. I assure you, no one glorifying him will succeed.”

Opposition Leader Abu Azmi: “Films like Chhawa portray Aurangzeb as a tyrant but I don’t believe he was like that.”

Congress Leader Harshvardhan Sapkal: “Aurangzeb was a tyrant and today, Devendra Fadnavis is just as oppressive.”

Additional Information

Historical Context: Aurangzeb who died in 1707, chose a simple burial in Khuldabad near the dargah of his spiritual guide, Sheikh Zainuddin, rejecting the grandeur of other Mughal tombs. The site was later fortified with white marble by British Viceroy Lord Curzon.

Waqf Property: The tomb is part of a Waqf property, managed by Yakub Habibuddin Tuchi, adding a layer of religious and legal significance to its protection.

Protests and Demands: Groups like Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have demanded the tomb’s removal, claiming it symbolizes “oppression” due to Aurangzeb’s historical conflicts with Marathas and temple destructions in Kashi, Mathura and Somnath. They warn of a “Babri Masjid-like fate” if the tomb remains.

Political Reactions: Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has faced criticism for his remarks, with opposition leaders accusing him of fuelling communal tensions. BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji, also supports removing the tomb but insists on legal processes.

Read More: West Bengal Chief Minister Urges Peace Amid Waqf Tensions

Impact Analysis

Social Impact: The controversy has deepened communal divides in Maharashtra, with protests turning violent and threatening social harmony. The UN plea highlights the need for dialogue to prevent further unrest.

Political Implications: The issue has become a political flashpoint, with opposition parties accusing the BJP-led government of stoking tensions for electoral gains. The debate over Aurangzeb’s legacy could influence voter sentiments in upcoming elections.

Cultural Significance: The tomb’s protection is a test case for India’s commitment to preserving its diverse heritage especially sites tied to controversial historical figures.

The plea to the United Nations to protect Aurangzeb’s tomb underscores the challenges of preserving India’s complex history amid modern tensions. As violence and political debates intensify, the call for security and adherence to international heritage laws highlights the need for unity and respect for cultural landmarks. Maharashtra now stands at a crossroads, balancing heritage preservation with public sentiments.

Call to Action (CTA)

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