Connect with us
Saturday,16-August-2025
Breaking News

Maharashtra

Aurangzeb’s Tomb Cannot Be Demolished By Maharashtra Govt Despite Widespread Protests & Public Demands; Here’s Why

Published

on

Nagpur: The recent violence in Nagpur, triggered by demands for the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra’s Khuldabad, has intensified debates over the monument’s existence. Clashes erupted on March 17 after protests by Bajrang Dal and VHP, who called for the removal of the tomb, citing Aurangzeb’s oppressive rule. The unrest escalated, leading to violent confrontations, police injuries and curfews in affected areas.

However, despite the growing demand, the Maharashtra government does not have the legal authority to demolish the tomb. The site is protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act), 1958, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), making its demolition legally impossible without central approval.

What is the AMASR Act, 1958?

The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 was enacted to preserve sites of historical and cultural significance. Under this Act, any monument classified as a ‘Monument of National Importance’ is protected from alteration, damage or destruction. The ASI, which functions under the Union Ministry of Culture, is responsible for maintaining these monuments.

Once a monument is notified under this Act, neither state governments nor local authorities can modify or demolish it. Only the Central Government, through a detailed legal and administrative process, can decide to de-notify such sites.

Why Is Aurangzeb’s Tomb A Protected Monument?

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, died in 1707 in Ahmednagar (now Ahilya Nagar) and was buried in Khuldabad near the dargah of Sheikh Zainuddin, his spiritual guide. His tomb is considered historically and culturally significant for several reasons:

– Historical Importance – Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years, shaping India’s political and cultural history. His burial site remains part of India’s historical heritage.

– Architectural Value – Unlike grand Mughal tombs, Aurangzeb’s simple resting place reflects his lifestyle and is an example of minimalist Mughal architecture.

– Cultural Significance – The tomb is part of the larger Khuldabad complex, which houses several important Sufi shrines and historical figures’ graves.

– Preservation of Heritage – The ASI protects such sites to maintain historical integrity and prevent the destruction of India’s cultural legacy.

Can the Maharashtra Government Order Its Demolition?

No, the Maharashtra government cannot order the demolition of Aurangzeb’s tomb because:

1. It is a National Monument – The site is classified under the AMASR Act, making it a Monument of National Importance.

2. Only the Central Government Has Authority – The state government has no jurisdiction to alter or de-notify the tomb. Any such decision lies with the Union Ministry of Culture.

3. Legal Consequences – Any attempt to demolish the tomb would be unlawful and could lead to legal action against the state government.

4. International Reputation – Destroying a protected historical site could damage India’s global image as a country that values its diverse heritage.

What Has The Maharashtra Government Said?

During the inauguration of Maharashtra’s first Shivaji Maharaj temple earlier this month, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis acknowledged public sentiments against Aurangzeb but stated that legal constraints prevent any action against the tomb. “It is protected by the ASI, and we must follow the law,” he said. However, he assured that Maharashtra would only glorify Shivaji Maharaj, not Aurangzeb.

Despite political and public pressure, Aurangzeb’s tomb remains protected under Indian law. The Maharashtra government lacks the authority to demolish it, as it is a Monument of National Importance under the ASI. Any decision regarding its status rests solely with the Central Government. The Nagpur violence has intensified the debate, but legally, the demand remains unfeasible under current heritage laws.

Maharashtra

Dahi Handi 2025: One Injured After Falling From Govinda Pathak In Dadar

Published

on

Mumbai: One person was injured after falling from the top of a human pyramid during Dahi Handi celebrations in Mumbai’s Dadar area on Saturday. The incident occurred as a group of Govindas attempted to break the handi by forming a human pyramid, a traditional highlight of the Janmashtami festival.

The injured participant received immediate medical attention and is reported to be in stable condition. The Dahi Handi celebration in Dadar draws massive crowds each year, and this year was no exception, with enthusiastic participation despite safety concerns.

11-Year-Old Boy Dies During Dahi Handi Practice In Dahisar; Pathak President Booked For Negligence

In another news story related to the Dahi Handi, a tragic incident unfolded in Hanuman Nagar, Ketkipada, Dahisar East, on Sunday, where an 11-year-old boy, Mahesh Jadhav, lost his life while practising for the upcoming Dahi Handi celebrations. Mahesh was a member of the Navtarun Govinda Pathak.

The Dahisar police registered an FIR on Monday against Balu Soornar, the President of the Navtarun Mitra Mandal Pathak, under Sections 106 (causing death by negligence) and 223 (disobedience to an order duly promulgated by a public servant) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Fall During Practice Turns Fatal

According to police reports, Mahesh was a resident of Dharkhadi, Dahisar East. His family comes from a modest background; his mother works as a domestic helper, his father is a labourer, and he has three younger brothers aged 8, 5, and 1. As the eldest child, Mahesh had taken part in the Dahi Handi practices held by his group.

In preparation for Gokulashtami, the Navtarun Govinda Pathak had been conducting practice sessions. However, reports suggest that no safety measures or protective equipment were provided to the participants. Being the smallest in the group, Mahesh was assigned the topmost position in the human pyramid. During Sunday night’s practice, he lost his balance while standing at the top and fell straight to the ground due to the absence of sufficient members below to cushion the fall.

He sustained critical injuries from the fall and was immediately taken to a multispeciality hospital in Dahisar East, where doctors declared him dead. His body was later transferred to Shatabdi Hospital for post-mortem examination.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

Mumbai: 32-Year-Old Dahi Handi Participant Dies In Mankhurd, 30 Injured Citywide

Published

on

Mumbai witnessed tragedy during the Dahi Handi celebrations on Saturday when a 32-year-old participant from Bal Govinda Pathak in Maharashtra Nagar, Mankhurd, lost his life in an accident.

About The Incident

The incident was reported around 3 pm and confirmed by Shatabdi Hospital, Govandi.

The deceased, identified as Jagmohan Shivkiran Chaudhari, was tying the Dahi Handi rope from the first floor of a G+1 structure when he slipped inside the grill of the house. His family members rushed him to Shatabdi Hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead.

Apart from this fatal mishap, several Govinda participants across the city sustained injuries while attempting human pyramids and other celebratory activities. By 3 pm, hospitals had reported a total of 30 injuries. Of these, 18 cases were reported at Cooper Hospital, where 12 people remained under treatment and six were discharged. At Sion Hospital, six injured Govindas were admitted, with three undergoing treatment and the rest sent home after primary care. Another six cases were recorded at Nair Hospital, with one person still under treatment and five discharged.

In all, 30 people were injured during the day’s festivities, 15 of whom continued to receive medical care while the other 15 were discharged after treatment. Civic authorities stated that apart from the Mankhurd incident, no other major untoward episode was reported in the city during the celebrations.

Continue Reading

Maharashtra

‘Eknath Shinde Won Matka Not Lottery’: MP Sanjay Raut Takes Dig At Maharashtra Deputy CM; MNS-Sena Collaborate For BEST Patpedhi Elections

Published

on

Mumbai: In numerous locations, employees from both parties are uniting and engaging in various activities. You inquired about the MNS alliance in the Municipal Corporations of Mumbai, Thane, and Kalyan, and I just provided an answer. The employees from both organizations are collaborating in the BEST Patpedhi elections.

A large march will occur in Nashik, where MNS will participate alongside Shiv Sena in this significant event. We are currently negotiating to contest the elections jointly. “Our focus is on Mumbai,” stated Sanjay Raut, an MP from the Thackeray group.

Sanjay Raut engaged with the journalists. On this occasion, Sanjay Raut stated that the focus of Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and their business group is Mumbai. They aim to seize control of Mumbai, and the Thackeray brothers’ goal is to ensure that Mumbai is not given to the Gujaratis.

The position of Chief Minister is not a gamble; it’s a matka, stated BJP leader and minister Ganesh Naik regarding Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. When Sanjay Raut was asked for his thoughts on this, he mentioned that lottery is an esteemed term.

In the past, the government operated a lottery. However, matka is currently being played unlawfully in the state. Despite Devendra Fadnavis being the Chief Minister, the figures are being manipulated. Ganesh Naik referred to the term lottery; he made this indicative comment in Thane.

However, the term matka must have been on his mind. He must have intended to imply that there should have been a matka for the position of Chief Minister. However, matka numbers are unpredictable, and individuals participate in four or five matkas, stated Sanjay Raut.

In the meantime, fundamentally, Girish Mahajan is not Maharishi Vyas. He ought to notice what is igniting beneath him. He ought to consider what will occur for him on the day he is no longer in power, where he will find himself. “On the morrow, when the Thackeray brothers join forces politically, they will be aware.” Sanjay Raut criticized that the thieves and robbers surrounding Fadnavis will struggle to walk the streets when they are out of power.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending