Mughal emperors, particularly Aurangzeb, are viewed negatively by Hindu nationalists, who label them as oppressors. Recent calls by BJP members for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb highlight this tension, fueled by the film “Chhaava,” which portrays a conflict between Hindus and Muslims. Critics argue that the film simplifies a complex history into a binary narrative. Efforts to reshape Indian history emphasize a Hindu identity, dismissing the nuanced relationships that existed during the Mughal era.
The Mughal Legacy: A Source of Contention
The emperors of the Mughal dynasty have long been viewed as adversaries by Hindu nationalists. Ruling over significant portions of India for more than three centuries, these Muslim leaders, particularly Aurangzeb (1618–1707), are often seen through a lens of resentment. Hindu nationalists perceive them as colonizers and oppressors, with Aurangzeb standing out as a figure of intense criticism. They characterize him as a tyrant who violently demolished Hindu temples and forcibly converted many to Islam.
Political Calls for Destruction of Aurangzeb’s Tomb
In recent developments, members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have called for the dismantling of Aurangzeb’s tomb. BJP leader Udayanraje Bhosale has labeled the emperor a “thief and plunderer,” advocating for the complete destruction of his burial site. Bhosale is a descendant of the Maratha king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who fought against Aurangzeb and ultimately faced execution at his hands.
Located in Maharashtra, Aurangzeb’s tomb is currently recognized as a historical monument. However, various Hindu nationalist organizations have threatened to take matters into their own hands if their demands are ignored. The chief minister of Maharashtra from the BJP has suggested that there is widespread agreement that the tomb should be eliminated.
The Impact of the Film “Chhaava”
The recent blockbuster “Chhaava” has ignited this controversy further. This successful Bollywood film portrays the conflict between the Hindu Sambhaji and the Muslim Aurangzeb. The film’s climactic final forty minutes depict the harrowing torture faced by Sambhaji, showcasing his steadfast refusal to convert to Islam, even under extreme duress.
While the film has garnered significant attention and mixed reviews, it has drawn criticism for its heavy-handed nationalist themes. It frames the conflict against the Mughal rulers as a fight for Swaraj—self-rule—a term famously used by Mahatma Gandhi in the context of British colonialism. This narrative transforms the Maratha king’s military actions into an early form of anti-colonial resistance.
Critics have pointed out that “Chhaava” simplifies the historical power struggle between the Mughals and Marathas into a binary conflict between good Hindus and evil Muslims. The reality is more complex, as many Hindus served alongside Aurangzeb, and Sambhaji had previously sought an alliance with the Mughal emperor during his own rebellion. Such nuances are overlooked in the film.
Similar to Hindu nationalists, the film prioritizes a particular narrative over historical accuracy. For years, there has been an effort to reshape Indian history to align with a singular worldview, where India is depicted as a Hindu homeland and Muslims are seen as foreign invaders. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has frequently referred to the Mughal era as “a thousand years of slavery.”
Three years ago, nationalists renamed the city of Aurangabad to Sambhajinagar, honoring Aurangzeb’s adversary. The tomb they now seek to erase is situated near a Sufi shrine in the city. Unlike his mother, Mumtaz Mahal, whose mausoleum is the famous Taj Mahal, Aurangzeb rests in an unmarked grave. Those unfamiliar with history would unlikely recognize the significance of this plain site.