Tue Mar 18 13:18:16 UTC 2025: ## Nagpur Erupts in Violence Over Aurangzeb’s Tomb

**Nagpur, Maharashtra –** Overnight clashes erupted in Nagpur’s Mahal area, leaving over a dozen injured and several vehicles ablaze. The violence centers around the modest tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, a controversial historical figure whose legacy continues to ignite intense political and religious passions in India.

The unrest, marked by stone-throwing and arson, follows calls from Hindu nationalist groups and BJP officials to remove the tomb. Aurangzeb, who ruled for nearly 50 years in the 17th century, is a highly divisive figure, condemned by many Hindus for his perceived persecution of their faith and his conflicts with the Marathas. His simple tomb, in stark contrast to the opulent mausoleums of his predecessors, has become a focal point of this simmering discontent.

The recent controversy was further fueled by comments made by Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi, who downplayed Aurangzeb’s cruelty, a statement he later retracted. This, coupled with the renaming of Aurangabad to Chhatrapati Sambhajnagar in 2022 (to honor a Maratha king executed by Aurangzeb), has heightened tensions.

The demand for the tomb’s removal, spearheaded by BJP MP Udayanraje Bhosale, a descendant of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, has gained traction. While Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged the sentiment, he stressed the need to adhere to legal processes as the tomb is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Protests involving groups like the VHP and Bajrang Dal escalated on Thursday, with the burning of Aurangzeb’s effigies and a replica of his tomb. A rumor surrounding sacred verses inscribed on the replica’s green cloth further inflamed passions, leading to the night’s violent outburst.

Authorities have since increased security around Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, nearly 500 km from Nagpur, implementing visitor registration and identity checks. The caretaker reports a decline in visitors following the recent calls for demolition. The incident highlights the volatile mix of historical grievances, religious sentiments, and political maneuvering that continues to shape the narrative surrounding Aurangzeb’s legacy in India.

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