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With fervent protests in Maharashtra to demolish Aurangzeb’s tomb, after the success of ‘Chhaava’ film fuelling Maratha pride, the row is likely to shape state’s political discourse in the coming months
Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal stage a protest demanding the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb, at Azad Maidan in Mumbai, on March 17, 2025. (PTI Photo)
The tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, located in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, has once again become a subject of political and ideological clashes. The controversy, fuelled by Hindu nationalist groups such as Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), revolves around demands to demolish the tomb, arguing that Aurangzeb was a tyrant who brutally persecuted Hindus and executed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689.
Maharashtra’s Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has taken a strong stand against any glorification of Aurangzeb, further igniting the debate.
The controversy has gained further momentum after the release of ‘Chhaava,’ which portrays the heroic resistance of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj against Aurangzeb. The film has deeply resonated with audiences, particularly in Maharashtra, reinforcing the historical grievances against the Mughal ruler.
With growing calls from Hindu groups and increasing political statements, the future of Aurangzeb’s tomb has now become a major flashpoint in Maharashtra’s socio-political landscape.
How Chhaava Revived Aurangzeb Row
The film, ‘Chhaava,’ has played a major role in reviving the debate over Aurangzeb. The movie depicts Sambhaji Maharaj’s valiant struggle against Aurangzeb, his unwavering dedication to protecting Hindu culture, and his brutal execution at the hands of the Mughal emperor. Its emotional narrative has stirred up a strong sense of Maratha pride among audiences, particularly in Maharashtra, where Sambhaji Maharaj is revered as a warrior who never surrendered.
Scenes depicting Aurangzeb’s cruelty and his attempt to forcibly convert Sambhaji Maharaj before ordering his execution have angered many viewers. As a result, Hindu nationalist groups have found renewed justification in their demand to demolish the Aurangzeb tomb.
Socio-Political Tensions In Maharashtra
Protests have intensified, with many groups arguing that the Maharashtra government should not preserve the tomb of a ruler who mercilessly killed one of the state’s greatest heroes.
Bajrang Dal activists in Kolhapur recently staged a demonstration, symbolically smashing a replica of Aurangzeb’s tomb with hammers. The protestors submitted a memorandum to local authorities, demanding immediate action to remove the historical structure.
Hindu groups argue that Aurangzeb was one of the most oppressive rulers in Indian history, responsible for temple destructions, forced conversions, and the execution of Maratha warriors. They believe that preserving his tomb is an insult to Maharashtra’s rich history and the sacrifices of the Marathas.
The recent glorification of Aurangzeb by certain groups visiting his tomb has further frayed nerves of many, making them question why the state should protect his final resting place.
“If we cannot tolerate even a symbolic tomb of Aurangzeb, why should we allow the real one to exist in Maharashtra? The government must remove it immediately.” Similar demands have also been raised in Aurangabad (now Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar), Pune, and Nashik, where Maratha pride is deeply ingrained in public sentiment.
When Did Aurangzeb Die?
Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707, in Bhingar near Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, at the age of 88. Unlike his predecessors, he spent most of his later years fighting the Marathas, trying unsuccessfully to crush their growing power. The long war drained the Mughal treasury and weakened the empire.
Before his death, Aurangzeb expressed his wish to be buried in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, near the dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Zainuddin, whom he had always admired and considered as his guiding force. Unlike the grand tombs of Akbar and Humayun, Aurangzeb’s grave was kept simple and unembellished, as per his own instructions. However, centuries later, his tomb has become a major political issue.
Political Parties React
The controversy has divided political parties in Maharashtra. While the BJP and Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) have supported the demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb, the Congress and NCP have opposed it, calling it a political distraction from real issues like inflation, unemployment, and governance. “Shivaji Maharaj and Sambhaji Maharaj defeated Aurangzeb. His tomb here is a symbol of his failure, not his success. The BJP is using this issue for political gain instead of addressing people’s real concerns. If the government has stopped them to take action, why is there a need for protests. PM or CM can issue notification and remove that tomb. They should stop this drama and understand that after the death of Shivaji Maharaj, Aurangzeb fought for next 25 years but couldn’t defeat Marathas. This tomb is the symbol of his failure,” said Sanjay Raut of Shiv Sena UBT.
Meanwhile, CM Fadnavis said, “If Maharashtra glorifies anyone, it will be Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, not Aurangzeb. We don’t need the tomb of a ruler who oppressed Hindus and executed our beloved Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. If anyone tries to glorify Aurangzeb, we will crush such efforts immediately.” He further said why the government should bear the responsibility of maintaining the tomb of a ruler who caused immense suffering. His remarks are seen as a direct response to the rising Hindu nationalist sentiment fuelled by ‘Chhaava’ and ongoing protests.
BJP leader Ram Kadam has supported the demolition demand, saying “Aurangzeb was a cruel ruler. His tomb has no place in Maharashtra. Those who want to glorify him should think twice. The demand for its removal is justified.”
Have Protests Taken Place Over Aurangzeb Before?
With the growing protests and political statements, the Maharashtra police have increased security at Aurangzeb’s tomb. Authorities have set up metal barricades, restricted vehicle movement, and deployed additional personnel to prevent vandalism or violence.
This is not the first time the tomb has been under threat. In May 2022, a right-wing group tried to vandalise the site, prompting the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to temporarily close it. The site was reopened only after the government assured strict security measures.
From past two years there were many instances of violence which were reported in different parts of Maharashtra, because a Muslim youth tried to glorify Aurangzeb by showing support on social media and holding his photographs during religious processions.
Two years ago, a house of a Muslim family was burnt near Kolhapur city as their teenaged boy had posted a video eulogizing Aurangzeb as a WhatsApp status. The incident escalated to a point that a few villagers had demanded that the family should be ostracized. But due to the interference of community leaders from both sides, the matter was resolved.
The political debate over Aurangzeb’s tomb is unlikely to die down. While the BJP government may not officially demolish the tomb due to legal and historical reasons, it might impose stricter access controls to prevent any further exaltation of the Mughal ruler.
For now, the issue remains deeply emotional, political, and intertwined with Maharashtra’s Maratha legacy. With the success of ‘Chhaava’ fuelling Maratha pride and Hindu nationalist sentiments, the controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb will continue to shape Maharashtra’s political discourse in the coming months.
