It is unfortunate that violence has erupted in Nagpur and even more regrettable that it stems from a controversy over a ruler who lived more than three centuries ago. His tomb has become a focal point and a cause of violence in Nagpur. The VHP and Bajrang Dal’s demand to demolish the tomb is framed as a way of rectifying history. However, demolishing the tomb is not only a dangerous attempt to rewrite history but also a direct threat to the peace and stability of the state. The tomb is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India. Both the central and state governments have a legal duty to preserve it. Moreover, the question is not whether Aurangzeb was a good or bad ruler “ that is for historians to debate, not politicians or mobs. Having won the Assembly election with a sweeping mandate, the Mahayuti government must focus on good governance in Maharashtra. The State has numerous challenges, including rising unemployment, farmer distress and the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic, which must be addressed on priority instead of creating a diversion that serves no purpose.
