A Historical Resting Place Turns into a Modern Flashpoint
Aurangzeb, the last powerful Mughal emperor, passed away in 1707, leaving behind a contentious legacy. His final resting place, a modest tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, remained largely unnoticed for centuries. However, in recent years, right-wing groups and political factions have reignited debates over his rule, branding him as a tyrant and demanding the demolition of his tomb. This ideological clash reached a boiling point in Nagpur, where violent riots erupted, leaving multiple people injured and property destroyed. But how did a centuries-old grave become the catalyst for such unrest?
The Unfolding Violence: A City Under Siege
The chaos began on the night of March 17 in Nagpur’s Chitnis Park area when a group of individuals began pelting stones at police officers, injuring three personnel. The violence then spread to Hansapuri and Old Bhandara Road, where an enraged mob torched vehicles, vandalized homes, and attacked local businesses.
Residents recounted horrifying scenes of destruction. Sharad Gupta, a Hansapuri resident, recalled how the mob appeared suddenly, hurling stones and setting vehicles on fire. Another resident described how their family struggled to douse the flames engulfing their property. Reports from the Mahal area even suggested that explosions were heard from burning vehicles, exacerbating the panic.
To curb the escalating violence, the police resorted to tear gas and reinforcement deployment. Authorities detained nearly 65 rioters and imposed prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita to prevent further clashes. Despite these measures, tensions remained high, and the city stood on edge.
Political and Social Reactions: Appeals for Peace and Accusations
The violence in Nagpur prompted swift reactions from political leaders and law enforcement officials. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who also holds the Home portfolio, urged people to remain calm and not succumb to rumors. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that those responsible for the violence would be held accountable.
Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule assured that a thorough investigation would take place, warning against politicizing the situation. However, opposition leaders criticized the government’s handling of law and order. Aditya Thackeray, leader of the Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray), called the situation a failure of state governance, particularly in the chief minister’s home city. Congress leader Pawan Khera further questioned the role of the BJP government in allowing communal tensions to escalate, citing the involvement of Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal in protests against Aurangzeb’s tomb.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra Minority Commission Chairman Pyare Khan claimed that outsiders instigated the violence, disrupting the traditionally peaceful communal harmony of Nagpur. He pointed to historical instances of interfaith unity, highlighting that during Ram Navami, local Muslims had set up tents to welcome Hindu devotees. This statement sought to underline the theory that the riots were a deliberate act of provocation rather than a reflection of deep-seated animosity between communities.
The Root Cause: A Tomb That Sparks Controversy
The immediate trigger for the violence was the spread of rumors that members of the VHP and Bajrang Dal had burned copies of the Quran during a protest against Aurangzeb’s tomb. Viral social media videos fueled outrage within the Muslim community, leading to violent retaliation. However, the broader controversy surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb has been simmering for a while.
Earlier in March, Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi sparked debates in the Maharashtra Assembly by defending Aurangzeb’s administrative policies, which angered right-wing factions. This reignited calls from BJP and Shiv Sena leaders, including MP Udayanraje Bhosale and MP Naresh Mhaske, to demolish the tomb. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis himself supported the idea but emphasized the need to proceed legally, as the tomb is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
This is not the first time Aurangzeb’s tomb has been at the center of controversy. In 2022, AIMIM leader Akbaruddin Owaisi visited the site and paid respects, sparking outrage from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS), which also demanded its demolition. The latest calls for its removal, however, have taken on a more volatile dimension, leading to direct violence and communal strife in Nagpur.
A City’s Communal Fabric Tested
The clashes in Nagpur over Aurangzeb’s tomb highlight a dangerous trend of historical revisionism being weaponized for political and ideological gains. What was once a forgotten burial site has now become a rallying point for communal divisions, driven by inflammatory rhetoric and misinformation. While political leaders continue to debate the fate of the tomb, the real cost is being borne by the citizens of Nagpur, who have suffered injuries, property damage, and a deepening of religious fault lines.
As prohibitory orders remain in place and investigations continue, the incident serves as a stark reminder of how fragile communal peace can be when history is used as a tool for conflict rather than education. Whether Aurangzeb’s tomb stands or falls, the greater challenge lies in preventing history from repeating itself through violence and discord.
(With inputs from agencies)
