Debate Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb: Protect Heritage or Remove Status?

The Shiv Sena party in Maharashtra has urged the Union government to revoke the 'protected monument' status of Aurangzeb's tomb in Khultabad. This move follows protests demanding its removal. Maharashtra's Chief Minister, meanwhile, insists on safeguarding the tomb but opposes any glorification of Aurangzeb.

Maharashtra's ruling Shiv Sena party, through Minister Shambhuraj Desai, has requested the Union government to rescind Aurangzeb's tomb's status as a 'protected monument' in Khultabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Desai noted that their party MP Rahul Shewale submitted a memorandum to Union Minister of Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, seeking this change. Desai assured that any actions taken thereafter would comply with legal frameworks.

This demand arises amidst enduring protests by groups like the Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad. Tensions in Nagpur have heightened with instances of violence, as illustrated by protests featuring Aurangzeb's depictions being defaced. Meanwhile, the Archaeological Survey of India, under the Ministry of Culture, currently preserves the tomb as a national heritage site.

(With inputs from agencies.)