Nagpur, Mar 18, KNT: A curfew has been imposed in parts of Nagpur after protests by Hindu right-wing groups demanding the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb escalated into violence late Monday night.
Vehicles were set ablaze, and stone-pelting incidents were reported from the Mahal area. Authorities have since brought the situation under control, urging citizens to maintain peace.
The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), has intensified in recent years, with hardline Hindu groups advocating for its demolition. On Monday, members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal burned Aurangzeb’s effigy and raised slogans against him, leading to tensions.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told the state assembly that rumors of religious desecration spread rapidly, fueling the violence. He claimed that a mob of 250 people gathered post-evening prayers and clashed with police. More than 50 individuals have been detained, and 33 policemen sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Shops and businesses in central Nagpur remain shut, and security has been tightened across the city. Meanwhile, opposition parties have slammed the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, accusing it of failing to maintain law and order.
The trigger for the unrest appears to be a recently released Bollywood film depicting the torture and execution of Maratha ruler Sambhaji, who was captured by Aurangzeb’s forces. The film has reignited historical debates, leading to widespread criticism of Aurangzeb by right-wing groups.
Aurangzeb’s Legacy: Beyond the Narrative
While Hindu nationalist groups portray Aurangzeb as a tyrant, historical records present a more complex picture of his reign. Some lesser-known aspects of his rule include:
✅ Military Expansion & Stability: Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire reached its territorial zenith, extending from Afghanistan to Bengal and deep into the Deccan. His military campaigns secured India’s position as a dominant power.
✅ Religious Patronage: While accused of temple demolitions, Aurangzeb also provided endowments to Hindu temples, including the Balaji Temple in Chitrakoot and Mahakaleshwar Temple in Ujjain.
✅ Administrative Reforms: He was a meticulous ruler who implemented efficient revenue policies, promoting agrarian growth and economic stability. His administration included Hindu officials in high-ranking positions, including Raja Jai Singh and Raja Jaswant Singh.
✅ Legal & Social Policies: Aurangzeb introduced legal reforms and enforced a rigorous judicial system, maintaining detailed records of governance. His personal austerity saw him refusing extravagant royal luxuries, earning him the title “Zinda Pir” (living saint) among his followers.
Despite political attempts to demonize him, historians argue that Aurangzeb’s legacy should be evaluated beyond religious binaries. His rule, like any historical era, was marked by both progress and conflict.
With tensions over historical interpretations escalating into violence, experts urge for a more nuanced understanding of history rather than its politicization for communal agendas.
Authorities Call for Restraint
As the situation in Nagpur remains tense, police continue to monitor the affected areas. Authorities have appealed to the public to refrain from falling for rumors and to maintain peace. The case is under investigation, and further security measures are expected in the coming days.
