Aurangzeb’s Tomb Sparks Protests and Violence in Nagpur

Why in the News?

  • Hindutva organizations protested, demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, leading to violence and arson in Nagpur.
  • Aurangzeb, the Mughal emperor (1658-1707), is buried in Khuldabad, a site of historical and religious significance.

Aurangzeb’s Tomb Sparks Protests and Violence in Nagpur

Aurangzeb’s Tomb: Simplicity and Historical Context

  • Aurangzeb was an orthodox Sunni Muslim, who followed austere principles and wished for a simple burial.
  • His grave lies in the shrine complex of Sheikh Zainuddin, a 14th-century Chishti saint.
  • Other notable burials in the complex:
    • Azam Shah (Aurangzeb’s son and brief Mughal ruler).
    • Asaf Jah I and Nasir Jung (first and second Nizams of Hyderabad).
  • Lord Curzon ordered the white marble screen around Aurangzeb’s tomb during British rule.

Comparison with Other Mughal Tombs

  • Aurangzeb’s modest grave contrasts with the grand mausoleums of earlier Mughals.
  • Taj Mahal (Shah Jahan & Mumtaz Mahal), Humayun’s Tomb (Delhi), and Akbar’s Tomb (Agra) exemplify Mughal architectural grandeur.
  • Aurangzeb’s final resting place reflects his personal beliefs, unlike the elaborate tombs of his predecessors.

Aurangzeb’s Tomb:

  • Location: Khuldabad, near Ellora Caves, Maharashtra.
  • Architectural Style: Simple and unadorned, as per Aurangzeb’s wish.

About Aurangzeb:

  • Full Name: Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir.
  • Reign: 1658-1707 (Longest-reigning Mughal emperor).
  • Father: Shah Jahan; Mother: Mumtaz Mahal.
  • Coronation: Defeated Dara Shikoh in the Battle of Samugarh (1658).
  • Death: 1707 in Ahmednagar, buried in Khuldabad.

Major Policies & Administration:

  • Religious Policies:
  • Reimposed Jizya tax (1679) on non-Muslims.
  • Destroyed some Hindu temples but also gave land grants to others.
  • Deccan Policy:
  • Annexed Bijapur (1686) and Golconda (1687).
  • Faced strong Maratha resistance from Shivaji and Sambhaji.
  • Rajput Policy:
  • Conflicts with Mewar and Marwar strained Mughal-Rajput relations.
  • Sikh Policy:
  • Executed Guru Tegh Bahadur (1675), leading to Sikh resistance.
  • Faced opposition from Guru Gobind Singh and Banda Singh Bahadur.
  • Legacy:
  • Greatest territorial expansion but economic mismanagement and prolonged wars weakened the empire.
  • His policies led to the rise of regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Jats.