Remove Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of protected monuments: Shiv Sena

Police personnel detain an activist throughout a protest by members of Muslim organizations towards the current Nagpur violence, in Mumbai, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
| Photograph Credit score: PTI

The Shiv Sena will take it up with the Central Authorities to hunt the removing of Mughal king Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of protected monuments. The tomb, located in Khultabad close to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, is beneath the safety of Archaeological Survey of India as a ‘monument of nationwide significance’ beneath the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Websites and Stays Act of 1958.

“Our Authorities is in energy right here. So we are able to’t go and destroy his tomb. We must take the authorized course. The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. So, as Shiv Sena, we’ll comply with up with the Centre to take away the identify of the tomb from the list of protected monuments. As soon as the Centre takes that call, we’ll take a call in the State Authorities right here inside the framework of legislation,” Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai stated.

“When the concern of Aurangzeb’s tomb got here up, I offered the stance of the Shiv Sena get together. I had acknowledged that Aurangzeb had include the intention of capturing Swaraj, however had failed in his mission and had met his finish in Maharashtra. There must be no hint left of Aurangzeb in the State,” he stated.

The assertion got here a day after Shiv Sena chief Rahul Shewale met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Tradition of India, and submitted a memorandum to him. “I’m writing to deliver to your form consideration the rising demand for the removing for Aurangzeb’s Tomb from Khuldabad, Sambhaji Nagar. Aurangzeb was an orthodox Islamic ruler whose reign is marked by historic accounts of non secular intolerance and persecution. One of the most notable situations of his tyranny was the brutal execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689, who was subjected to inhumane torture for 40 days for refusing to transform to Islam. His actions left a long-lasting affect on Indian historical past, notably in Maharashtra, the place sentiments towards his legacy stay sturdy,” his letter acknowledged.

“Regardless of the widespread demand for the removing of this grave, the State Authorities is unable to take any motion as the website falls beneath the jurisdiction of the ASI. As per the provisions of the Historic Monuments and Archaeological Websites and Stays Act, 1958, the energy to delist any such monument rests solely with the Central authorities. Subsequently, I earnestly request you to look into this matter and instruct the involved authorities to de-notify Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of Monuments of Nationwide Significance. Doing so can be in accordance with the sentiments of the individuals and would enable for applicable motion to be taken relating to the website,” it acknowledged additional.