Request to Denotify Aurangzeb's Tomb from National Importance List: Shiv Sena's Rahul Shewale
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Synopsis
Former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale has called on the Central government to denotify Aurangzeb's tomb from the Monuments of National Importance. He highlights public sentiment against the monument and its historical implications.
Key Takeaways
- Rahul Shewale seeks to denotify Aurangzeb's tomb.
- Calls for action from the Central government.
- Tomb is under ASI jurisdiction, limiting state action.
- Historical accounts of Aurangzeb highlight religious intolerance.
- Public sentiment against Aurangzeb's legacy remains strong.
Mumbai, March 27 (NationPress) Former Shiv Sena MP Rahul Shewale has appealed to the Centre to denotify Aurangzeb's tomb from the roster of Monuments of National Importance. In a formal representation to Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shewale highlighted the increasing calls for the removal of Aurangzeb's tomb located in Khuldabad, Sambhaji Nagar.
He stated, "Despite the strong public demand for the removal of the tomb, the state government is hindered from taking any action due to the site being under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). According to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958 (AMASR), only the Central government possesses the authority to delist such monuments."
Shewale further urged, "I sincerely request you to examine this issue and direct the appropriate authorities to denotify Aurangzeb's tomb from the list of Monuments of National Importance. This would align with the sentiments of the public and permit necessary actions regarding the site."
According to Shewale, Aurangzeb was an orthodox Islamic ruler whose reign was characterized by documented instances of religious intolerance and persecution.
He pointed out, "One of the most infamous episodes of his tyranny was the horrific execution of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj in 1689, who endured torturous treatment for 40 days for refusing to convert to Islam. His actions have had a profound impact on Indian history, especially in Maharashtra, where opposition to his legacy remains strong."
Shewale noted that various reports indicate there is no precise record of when Aurangzeb's tomb was designated a protected monument by the ASI. However, it is currently acknowledged as a site of historical and cultural significance and is safeguarded under the AMASR Act. He reiterated that in light of the growing demand for the removal of the tomb, it should be denotified from the list of Monuments of National Importance.
