NEW DELHI – Following a flare-up of sectarian violence, authorities in a western Indian city have enforced an indefinite curfew to curb unrest. The disturbance occurred in Maharashtra state’s Nagpur city, ignited by Hindu nationalist groups demanding the removal of the tomb of Aurangzeb, a Muslim Mughal ruler from the 17th century.
The unrest began on Monday during a protest organized by Hindu nationalist factions. They are advocating for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s mausoleum, a historical financial point of tension. The events spiraled into clashes between Hindu and Muslim communities, further exacerbating sectarian strains in the area.
Chandrashekhar Bawankule, a local lawmaker, reported that the violence resulted in injuries to at least 34 police officers and five civilians, while damaging numerous homes and vehicles. In response, Ravinder Singal, a senior police officer, announced that around 50 arrests have been made.
Devendra Fadnavis, the chief governmental officer of Maharashtra, stated that misinformation regarding religious artifacts, specifically claims that the Quran had been desecrated, was a catalyst for the unrest. The tomb at the center of the controversy is located in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar city, which was formerly named Aurangabad in honor of the Mughal leader.
Aurangzeb holds a contentious position in Indian history, particularly among Hindu nationalists who contest his treatment of Hindus during his rule, although historians suggest that such accounts may be overstated. Over time, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership—a tenure marked by increased Hindu nationalism—disfavor towards Aurangzeb has heightened.
Prime Minister Modi, in several instances, has invoked Aurangzeb’s legacy to highlight perceived historical injustices against Hindus, further influencing public perception. However, such rhetoric has heightened concerns within the Muslim community, translating into increased vulnerability to violence and discrimination.
Further fanning these tensions, the release of “Chhaava,” a Bollywood film depicting a historical Hindu resistance against Aurangzeb, has sparked criticism for potentially widening religious divides. Critics argue that the film contributes to a polarized narrative, heightening societal fractures.
Although friction has long existed between India’s Hindu majority and the Muslim minority, human rights organizations claim that aggression towards minority groups has become more unabashed under Modi’s governance. Meanwhile, Modi’s administration refutes allegations of bias against Muslims.
Alongside these skirmishes, Hindu extremists have targeted Islamic worship sites nationwide, claiming some mosques were constructed over historical Hindu temples. Several such cases await judicial review.
Last year marked a significant moment for Hindu nationalists with the unveiling of a controversial temple in Ayodhya, built on the site of a demolished 16th-century Babri mosque. The mosque’s destruction in 1992 by Hindu mobs laid bare deep-rooted religious discord, which persists as a key flashpoint in modern India.
