The recent demand by right-wing organisations, notably the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), to demolish the tomb of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, has the potential of becoming one of the biggest threats to communal harmony in Maharashtra in decades. The controversy, fuelled by the historical animosity towards Aurangzeb’s reign, has found new political expression amid growing tensions within the State. While these demands may appeal to certain sections of the population, they threaten to disturb the delicate fabric of communal harmony and ignite unnecessary strife in a state already grappling with complex socio-political issues.
Aurangzeb’s tomb, a historical site that has stood for over 300 years, is situated in Khuldabad, where other historical figures, including Maratha and Sufi leaders, are buried. It has remained a focal point of contentious debates, primarily due to the legacy of Aurangzeb, a ruler whose policies and actions have been heavily criticised, particularly for his harsh treatment of the Marathas and the destruction of several Hindu temples. For many, the emperor represents oppression, and his tomb becomes a symbol of a bygone era that they wish to erase from memory. The VHP and Bajrang Dal’s demand to demolish the tomb is framed as a way of rectifying history – an act of reclaiming pride for the Maratha empire, which, they argue, was unjustly oppressed under Mughal rule.
However, the call for demolishing the tomb is not only a dangerous attempt to rewrite history but also a direct threat to the peace and stability of the state. History, in all its complexity, cannot be erased or altered at the whims of political or ideological forces. The tomb of Aurangzeb, like any other historical monument, is part of the shared heritage of the region. To call for its demolition is to disregard the multifaceted nature of history, which cannot be reduced to a mere symbol of division.
What is most concerning is the broader political and social context within which this demand is gaining traction. The VHP and Bajrang Dal’s calls for the destruction of the tomb are not isolated acts but part of a larger narrative that seeks to polarise communities along religious lines. The controversial destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992 has been invoked, with warning of a similar fate for Aurangzeb’s tomb. Such rhetoric is alarmingly reminiscent of the events leading to the Babri Masjid demolition, which resulted in widespread communal violence and left scars that have yet to heal. The suggestion that similar actions be taken against a historical monument in the 21st century is not just reckless; it is a deliberate attempt to inflame religious tensions.
Furthermore, this demand comes at a time when the State is grappling with more pressing issues that deserve attention. Maharashtra, like much of India, faces numerous challenges, including rising unemployment, farmer distress, and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic. Rather than addressing these real problems, the VHP and Bajrang Dal are attempting to shift the focus to historical grievances, creating a diversion that serves no purpose other than to stoke division.
The political ramifications of such calls are also far-reaching. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and other BJP leaders have expressed support for the demand to demolish the tomb, citing the need to remove symbols of historical injustice. However, this stance ignores the fact that history, as painful as it may be, must be acknowledged and understood in its entirety. To erase the tomb of Aurangzeb would be to erase a part of Maharashtra’s history, one that has shaped the state’s current identity. As Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut aptly stated, Aurangzeb’s tomb should be seen as a symbol of the Marathas’ bravery, a reminder of their struggle against the Mughal Empire. History should not be rewritten to serve political ends, nor should it be distorted to further narrow ideologies.
What is at stake here is not just the fate of a single monument, but the future of Maharashtra’s pluralistic society. If such demands are allowed to gain traction, they risk undermining the very idea of India as a land where different cultures, religions, and histories can coexist. The tomb of Aurangzeb, like all historical monuments, must be preserved as part of our collective heritage. It is a site that, whether one agrees with the ruler’s policies or not, provides a valuable lesson in the complexities of India’s past. Demolishing it would be a shortsighted and destructive act that disregards the importance of understanding history in all its dimensions.