Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy: The recently released superhit film ‘Chhava’ depicts the conflict between Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and Aurangzeb, which has once again revealed the issue of cruel Mughal emperor in Maharashtra. Aurangzeb’s tomb is located in the city of Khuldabad in Maharashtra and some right -wing groups have demanded a demolition of the mausoleum.
A communal riot erupted in the name of Aurangzeb.
Violence erupted in Nagpur on Monday on the Aurangzeb issue. The rumor spread that Hindu organizations are insulting the religious texts of Muslims. After this, concerns about law and order in the state have increased. Meanwhile, the reaction of the Maharashtra government and the central government is also being discussed on the matter. People are asking if the government will be able to remove Aurangzeb’s grave?
A leader’s statement in the root of controversy
The controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb started with the statement of Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi. He described some things shown in the film ‘Chhava’ as false. In this film, Aurangzeb is shown to torture and kill Sambhaji Maharaj. Azmi’s statement created political ruckus. He was suspended from the budget session of Maharashtra Legislative Assembly. Udayanraje Bhosle, a descendant of BJP MP and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, demanded the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb. After this, Hindu organizations also started a strong protest on the issue.
For this reason, Aurangzeb’s tomb cannot be removed
This tomb is under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). ASI considers it a ‘national heritage’, so it is maintained by the Central Government. The Maharashtra government does not have the right to remove it.
What type of places ASI preserve?
ASI comes under the Ministry of Culture. It protects many historical sites in India, including archaeological sites such as palaces, forts, temples, churches, mosques, mausoleums, vavas.
ASI maintains hundreds of monuments
Not just a hundred, but there are a total of 3,697 monuments in our country which are protected by ASI! These monuments are preserved under the ‘Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remnants Act’ (AMASR Act), implemented in 1958.
Which rules apply?
- The AMASR Act has the following rules.
- No construction can be done around the protected monument.
- Section 19 (1) states that no person will do construction, excavation or vandalism in a protected area.
- If someone destroys a monument or takes it to another place, it will be considered a crime and strict action will be taken against them.
- ASI Regularly inspects the monuments protected by them. Action is taken with the help of local administration and police in case of any illegal work or damage.
Who removed the protected monument from the ASI list?
Only the Central Government has the right to remove a monument from the ASI list. If the central government feels that a monument has no national importance now, it can remove it from the list. This provision is in Section 35 of the AMASR Act. So far, the central government has not started any official process to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb from the ASI list, but the government can do so by respecting public sentiment.
What did Devendra Fadnavis say?
On this issue, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said, ‘It is unfortunate that the government has to protect Aurangzeb’s grave. We cannot remove it, but if someone tries to sing Aurangzeb’s glory, he will not be allowed to succeed. He also reminded that when the Congress government was in power, this mausoleum was brought under ASI.
