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

Police personnel detain an activist during a protest by members of Muslim organizations against the recent Nagpur violence, in Mumbai, Tuesday, March 25, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI

The Shiv Sena will take it up with the Central Government to seek the removal of Mughal king Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of protected monuments. The tomb, situated in Khultabad near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in Maharashtra, is under the protection of Archaeological Survey of India as a ‘monument of national importance’ under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.

“Our Government is in power here. So we can’t go and destroy his tomb. We will have to take the legal course. The monument is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India. So, as Shiv Sena, we will follow up with the Centre to remove the name of the tomb from the list of protected monuments. Once the Centre takes that decision, we will take a decision in the State Government here within the framework of law,” Maharashtra Minister Shambhuraj Desai said.

“When the issue of Aurangzeb’s tomb came up, I presented the stance of the Shiv Sena party. I had stated that Aurangzeb had come with the intention of capturing Swaraj, but had failed in his mission and had met his end in Maharashtra. There should be no trace left of Aurangzeb in the State,” he said.

The statement came a day after Shiv Sena leader Rahul Shewale met Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Minister of Culture of India, and submitted a memorandum to him. “I am writing to bring to your kind attention the growing demand for the removal for Aurangzeb’s Tomb from Khuldabad, Sambhaji Nagar. Aurangzeb was an orthodox Islamic ruler whose reign is marked by historical accounts of religious intolerance and persecution. One of the most notable instances 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 convert to Islam. His actions left a lasting impact on Indian history, particularly in Maharashtra, where sentiments against his legacy remain strong,” his letter stated.

“Despite the widespread demand for the removal of this grave, the State Government is unable to take any action as the site falls under the jurisdiction of the ASI. As per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, the power to delist any such monument rests solely with the Central government. Therefore, I earnestly request you to look into this matter and instruct the concerned authorities to de-notify Aurangzeb’s tomb from the list of Monuments of National Importance. Doing so would be in accordance with the sentiments of the people and would allow for appropriate action to be taken regarding the site,” it stated further.