The Battle Over a Grave
In the heart of Maharashtra lies a modest grave, barely noticeable amidst the grandeur of India’s historical monuments. This unassuming site marks the final resting place of Aurangzeb, one of the most polarizing figures in Indian history. While some see him as a tyrant who oppressed Hindus and dismantled temples, others view him as a ruler shaped by his time, whose legacy deserves nuanced understanding.
Today, this debate has taken on new urgency as calls to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb have sparked protests, violence, and heated discussions across the nation. But why does a nearly 300-year-old burial ground still ignite such strong emotions? To answer that, we must delve into the life, death, and enduring controversies surrounding the last great Mughal emperor—and explore both sides of the story.
Many people from certain background are asking Govt to remove and even demolish #Mughal emperor #Aurangzeb's tomb. But there is no tomb dedicated to Auragnzeb. It is an open air grave, unlike any other Mughal emperor.#History pic.twitter.com/4GlJrhL8Ul
— Syed Ubaidur Rahman (@syedurahman) March 17, 2025Aurangzeb: The Man Behind the Myth
Born in 1618, Aurangzeb Alamgir ascended the Mughal throne after defeating his brothers in a brutal war of succession. His reign from 1658 to 1707 marked the zenith of the Mughal Empire’s territorial expansion but also sowed seeds of decline due to internal dissent and economic strain. Unlike his predecessors, who embraced cultural syncretism, Aurangzeb adhered strictly to Islamic principles, enforcing Sharia law and imposing taxes like jizya on non-Muslims.
Critics point to his execution of Maratha leader Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the destruction of Hindu temples as evidence of religious intolerance. Proponents argue that these actions were not solely motivated by faith but were strategic moves to consolidate power in a fragmented empire. For instance, many historians note that Aurangzeb also destroyed mosques deemed heretical and punished Muslim officials for corruption or inefficiency.
His austere lifestyle set him apart from other emperors. In his later years, he stitched caps and copied the Quran to earn money, which he used to fund his own funeral—a mere Rs. 14 and 12 annas. True to his wishes, his tomb in Khuldabad remains simple, devoid of any ornate architecture or embellishments.
Why Is His Tomb Unadorned?
Aurangzeb’s choice of a humble burial reflects his adherence to Islamic teachings emphasizing simplicity and humility. He requested that no mausoleum be built over his grave, allowing it to blend seamlessly with nature. Today, his tomb lies within the courtyard of the dargah (shrine) of Sufi saint Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi in Khuldabad, covered only by soil and herbs.
This stark contrast to the opulence of other Mughal tombs—such as Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi or the Taj Mahal in Agra—is symbolic of Aurangzeb’s worldview. Even during British colonial rule, when Lord Curzon added a low marble enclosure around the grave, efforts were made to preserve its simplicity.
For centuries, pilgrims visiting the dargah paid little attention to Aurangzeb’s grave. However, recent demands for its removal have thrust it into the limelight, making it a flashpoint for broader debates about India’s past and present identity.
The Current Controversy: Why Remove the Tomb?
Right-wing groups like the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal argue that Aurangzeb’s tomb symbolizes historical oppression against Hindus. They cite his alleged temple demolitions and persecution of non-Muslim communities as justification for its removal. These groups claim that preserving the tomb glorifies a figure they consider anti-Hindu and divisive.
Protests erupted recently in Nagpur, where clashes between supporters and opponents of the tomb led to arson, stone-pelting, and arrests. Security measures have since been tightened, with visitors now required to register and provide valid ID proof to enter the site.
Supporters of removing the tomb believe doing so would rectify historical wrongs and foster national pride. “We are not against history,” says a VHP spokesperson. “But certain symbols remind us of pain and suffering inflicted upon our ancestors.
Counterarguments: Preserving History vs. Rewriting It
On the other side of the debate are historians, scholars, and secular activists who warn against erasing historical sites, regardless of their association with controversial figures. They argue that destroying or removing Aurangzeb’s tomb risks setting a dangerous precedent for rewriting history based on contemporary biases.
Dr. Meera Sharma, a historian specializing in medieval India, explains, “Every era has its complexities. If we start removing monuments linked to contentious figures, where do we stop? Should we dismantle Akbar’s forts because he waged wars too? Or should we ignore Shah Jahan’s contributions because he imprisoned his father?”
Preserving Aurangzeb’s tomb, they contend, offers an opportunity to engage critically with history rather than succumb to selective amnesia. By acknowledging uncomfortable truths, society can learn valuable lessons about tolerance, coexistence, and governance.
Moreover, local residents and devotees visiting the dargah express concern about disrupting communal harmony. “This place is sacred to people of all faiths,” says Ahmed Khan, a caretaker at the shrine. “Removing the tomb won’t solve anything—it will only deepen divisions.”
Looking Ahead: Can Dialogue Resolve the Dispute?
As tensions escalate, finding common ground becomes increasingly urgent. Experts suggest fostering dialogue through educational initiatives, museum exhibits, and public forums that encourage informed discussions about Aurangzeb’s legacy. Rather than focusing solely on removal, stakeholders could explore ways to contextualize the tomb within India’s rich tapestry of history.
Some propose installing plaques or digital displays near the site to provide balanced information about Aurangzeb’s achievements and atrocities. Others advocate transforming Khuldabad into a heritage hub celebrating diverse traditions, thereby shifting focus away from divisive narratives.
Ultimately, resolving the controversy requires grappling with fundamental questions: How should modern societies confront problematic legacies? And what role does collective memory play in shaping national identity?
Navigating History’s Complex Legacy
The controversy over Aurangzeb’s tomb underscores the challenges of reconciling history with modern values. While emotions run high on both sides, constructive dialogue and thoughtful preservation offer a path forward. Whether viewed as a tyrant or a misunderstood ruler, Aurangzeb’s legacy reminds us that history is rarely black and white—and learning from it requires courage, empathy, and wisdom.
FAQ
Q1: Where is Aurangzeb buried?
Aurangzeb is buried in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, within the courtyard of the dargah of Sufi saint Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi.
Q2: Why is there a demand to remove Aurangzeb’s tomb?
Right-wing groups argue that the tomb represents historical oppression against Hindus, citing incidents like temple demolitions and executions under Aurangzeb’s rule.
Q3: What makes Aurangzeb’s tomb unique?
Unlike other Mughal tombs, Aurangzeb’s grave is unadorned and simple, reflecting his strict interpretation of Islamic principles and personal humility.
Q4: How much did Aurangzeb spend on his burial?
According to historical accounts, Aurangzeb financed his funeral using earnings from stitching caps and copying the Quran, amounting to just Rs. 14 and 12 annas.
Q5: Who supports keeping the tomb intact?
Historians, secular activists, and local residents oppose removing the tomb, arguing that it preserves history and promotes critical engagement with the past.
Q6: Has security been increased at the site?
Yes, following protests and threats, security has been tightened, with visitor registration and ID checks implemented.
Q7: Could removing the tomb set a dangerous precedent?
Experts warn that removing historical sites associated with controversial figures may lead to selective rewriting of history and loss of context.
Q8: What alternatives exist to address the controversy?
Proposals include adding informational plaques, creating museum exhibits, and transforming Khuldabad into a heritage center promoting inclusivity.
