Overview of the Aurangzeb Tomb Controversy

Amidst recent unrest in Nagpur, the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has become the focal point of tension, with demands from the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) to remove it. Aurangzeb, who passed away on February 20, 1707, chose a humble burial in accordance with Islamic austerity.

Aurangzeb's Burial Location

• Aurangzeb is buried in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, far from Delhi where he ruled as emperor.
• His grave is inside the shrine complex of Sheikh Zainuddin, a 14th-century Chishti saint.
• Historian Ali Nadeem Rezavi notes Aurangzeb's preference for a simple tomb, reflecting his personal beliefs in Islamic austerity.
• The grave was later adorned with a white marble screen, ordered by British Viceroy Lord George Curzon.

Context of Aurangzeb's Death and Burial

• Aurangzeb’s empire faced an agrarian crisis, desertion by nobility, and threats from the Marathas.
• He died during a campaign against the Marathas in the Deccan region.
• His burial choice highlights contrasts in his life, being a Sunni Muslim interred in a Sufi saint's shrine.

Significance of Aurangzeb's Tomb

Aurangzeb's grave tells multiple stories:

• It is a reflection of his Islamic beliefs and contrasts with the grand tombs of other Mughal rulers.
• His burial alongside his son and the first Nizam of Hyderabad signifies familial and historical connections.
• The simple graves of Aurangzeb and his sister Jahan Ara contrast with their complex family relations.
• Historian Michael Brand suggests Mughal tombs often served as victory monuments for successors rather than mere commemorations.

Reflections on Aurangzeb's Reign

• Aurangzeb's introspection is captured in his letter to son Prince Azam, expressing regret and acknowledgment of his failures.
• He lamented his lack of true governance and the futility of his life in his final days.