Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has stated that while there is consensus on the removal of Mughal king Aurangzeb’s tomb in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, any action must be taken within the legal framework. He attributed the site’s protected status to the previous Congress-led government, which placed it under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). Fadnavis made these remarks while speaking at an event on Saturday night.
BJP MP Bhosale Calls for Removal
BJP’s Satara MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, had demanded the removal of Aurangzeb‘s tomb from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district. Addressing Bhosale’s demand, Fadnavis emphasized adherence to legal processes.
“We all also want the same thing, but you need to do it within the framework of the law, because it is a protected site. The site was put under ASI’s (Archaeological Survey of India) protection during the Congress regime some years back,” Fadnavis said.
Background on Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Aurangzeb’s tomb is located in Khuldabad, a town near Aurangabad in Maharashtra. Unlike the grand mausoleums of other Mughal emperors, Aurangzeb’s tomb is a simple structure, reflecting his wishes to be buried in an open grave. The tomb has been covered with soil on which herbs grow. The tomb was constructed with funds from his own earnings through the sale of handwoven caps and copies of the Quran.
The tomb is an open grave, covered only with a plain white cloth, as per Aurangzeb’s instructions. It stands in contrast to the elaborate tombs of other Mughal rulers. The site also houses the dargah of Sheikh Zainuddin, a revered Sufi saint. Over the years, the tomb has been a point of historical and political debate, with discussions resurfacing from time to time about its relevance and status.
Controversy Over Azmi’s Remarks
The debate over Aurangzeb’s legacy gained traction after Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Asim Azmi’s remarks eulogizing the Mughal emperor sparked controversy. Azmi was suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly last week until the end of the budget session on March 26 for his comments.
The discussion surrounding Aurangzeb’s tomb remains politically sensitive, with different parties holding divergent views. However, Fadnavis has maintained that any decision must comply with existing legal frameworks.
