Aurangzeb’s Tomb: Violent Sectarian Clashes Erupt in Nagpur
Authorities in India’s Maharashtra state have now imposed a curfew across parts of Nagpur due to the violent sectarian clashes between Muslim and Hindu protestors. This unrest initially started when Hindu nationalist groups started demanding that the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb (who ruled the subcontinent from 1658 to 1707) be demolished.
Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (formerly known as Aurangabad) about 500 kms from Nagpur, has been a thorn in the sides of Hindu nationalists for a while now. In line with the Hindu nationalist plans of PM Modi and his BJP followers of erasing the rich Mughal history of the subcontinent, they are now vilifying Aurangzeb and accusing him of religious persecution against Hindus and the destruction of Hindu temples.
Modi has gone so far as to compare Aurangzeb to his current political opponents, stating how the ‘Hindu culture’ has persevered despite all the ‘persecution’. However, many historians rebuke these claims and discuss how Aurangzeb patronized Hindu temples and employed Hindus at high posts in his government. Bollywood, increasingly becoming another major source of division and religious strife in India, has released a new movie titled “Chaava”, which shows Aurangzeb in a terrible light – further building the narrative against him.
The current clashes in Nagpur escalated after rumours started circulating that Hindu protestors desecrated the Holy Quran. Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister has acknowledged these allegations but has also claimed that the violence began largely due to misinformation.
According to sources, over thirty police officers have been injured along with five civilians. Multiple houses and cars have also been damaged, with pictures of broken windows and windshields surfacing constantly. Fifty people have already been arrested, and over a thousand extra police officers have been deployed in central Nagpur to ensure that the violence is curbed.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari also appealed for peace and harmony, stating, “Nagpur always has a history of peace. I appeal to all my brothers to maintain peace. Do not believe rumours and do not come on roads”.