A hard-line Hindu group's demand for the removal of the tomb of 17th-century Mughal ruler Aurangzeb has sparked tensions with the Muslim community in Maharashtra, India, resulting in communal violence and the enforcement of a curfew.
The unrest occurred in Nagpur, where the tomb of Aurangzeb, a Muslim emperor often criticized by Hindu nationalists, became the focal point of the clashes. The violence, primarily contained by midweek, highlighted ongoing grievances among right-wing Hindus toward India's Muslim population.
The situation escalated on Monday, coinciding with the Hindu calendar's celebration of Chhatrapati Shivaji's birth anniversary. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (V.H.P.), a right-wing Hindu organization, called for the demolition of Aurangzeb's tomb, which is located approximately 300 miles away in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, previously known as Aurangabad.
Protests in Nagpur included the burning of an effigy of Aurangzeb, leading to rumors regarding its wrapping in a green cloth, a color associated with Islam. These rumors incited riots, despite V.H.P. representatives denying any Quranic verses were present on the cloth.
The riots resulted in property damage and injuries to dozens, including police personnel. While the violence mainly occurred on Monday night, a curfew remains in effect, and numerous arrests have been made.
Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, attributed the unrest to the recent Bollywood film "Chhaava," which portrays the conflict between Aurangzeb and Shivaji. He stated that the film has fueled public anger against Aurangzeb.
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled from 1658 until his death in 1707 and is known for his expansionist ambitions, having ascended the throne through fratricide and imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan. Hindu leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, have previously invoked Aurangzeb's legacy to emphasize the valor of Shivaji.
Historians, however, argue that the conflict between Aurangzeb and Shivaji was not solely religious in nature. Some experts suggest that it was a struggle between feudal lords rather than a religious battle.