Stringent measures in place to protect the site from potential harm, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat informs Rajya Sabha
Mohammad bin Ismail | Clarion India
NEW DELHI/AURANGABAD – Amid rising protests by right-wing groups, Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has confirmed that the tomb of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in Khuldabad in Maharashtra, remains a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The minister also disclosed that the ASI, along with local authorities, has taken stringent precautionary measures to protect the site from potential harm.
Shekhawat’s written statement came in response to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha on 3 April, following demands from several Hindu organisations—including the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP)—seeking the removal of the historical structure. “Aurangzeb’s tomb, located in Khuldabad in Aurangabad district, is a protected monument under the jurisdiction of the ASI’s Aurangabad Circle. Its details are publicly available on the ASI website,” the Union Minister said.
In recent months, significant controversy has erupted over the tomb. Several Hindu groups have staged protests, arguing that the tomb should be removed as Aurangzeb is widely seen as a controversial historical figure, particularly for his policies towards non-Muslim communities during his reign.
The protests have raised fears over the potential damage to the site, prompting concerns from heritage conservationists and local officials alike.
Addressing these concerns in Parliament, Shekhawat clarified that the ASI has not only retained the monument’s protected status but has also reinforced its security. “The ASI, in coordination with the district administration, is continuously taking precautionary measures to ensure the monument remains unharmed,” he said.
These steps include:
• Installation of a 12-foot-high metal sheet barrier around the tomb.
• Erection of barbed wire fencing along surrounding walls to deter encroachments.
• Deployment of private security personnel, in addition to ASI’s own multi-tasking staff.
• Regular inspections by ASI officials to monitor the situation on the ground.
There was speculation on whether the ASI had removed details of Aurangzeb’s tomb from its website amid the protests. Shekhawat clarified that the monument continues to be listed on the official ASI portal, reinforcing its legal and historical status as a protected site.
Aurangzeb, the last of the powerful Mughal emperors, ruled most of the Indian subcontinent during the 17th century. Known for his military campaigns and orthodox policies, he remains a polarising figure in Indian history. Despite this, his final resting place in Khuldabad has been a site of quiet historical interest for decades.
The tomb, unlike the grand mausoleums of other Mughal rulers, is simple and modest. Historical accounts describe it as being in line with Aurangzeb’s own instructions for a humble burial. The site also draws tourists, historians, and students of medieval Indian history.
The issue reflects broader debates across India over how the legacies of historical figures, particularly those from the Mughal era, are interpreted and remembered. While some groups view Aurangzeb as a symbol of past tyranny, others argue for a balanced understanding rooted in historical scholarship rather than populist sentiment.
Several historians and cultural experts have cautioned against politicisation of historical monuments. Speaking anonymously, one academic specialising in medieval Indian history noted: “Whether one likes Aurangzeb or not, his tomb is part of India’s diverse and complex historical fabric. Tampering with such monuments could set a dangerous precedent.”
Another conservationist based in Hyderabad remarked, “History should be preserved, not judged through today’s political lense. The ASI’s protective actions are a step in the right direction.”
According to sources in the Aurangabad district administration, the local police have also been asked to maintain a tight vigil on the site, especially during public holidays or politically sensitive periods. Officials have stressed that no attempt to vandalise or damage the tomb will be tolerated.
A senior police officer stated, “We have received clear instructions to ensure law and order around the site. Anyone attempting to disturb peace will face legal action.”
