A man identifying himself as a descendant of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, has petitioned the United Nations to intervene in safeguarding Aurangzeb’s tomb in Kuldabad, Maharashtra, amid rising tensions and recent unrest.
Key Points from the Letter to the UN:
🔹 Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who claims to be the Mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property where the tomb is located, urged UN Secretary-General António Guterres to act swiftly.
🔹 He highlighted that the tomb is a Monument of National Importance, protected under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
🔹 Tucy emphasized that any unauthorized actions around the site—alteration, destruction, or excavation—are punishable under Indian law.
🔹 He further referenced international obligations, including India’s commitment under the UNESCO 1972 Convention on World Heritage, to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
Backdrop of Rising Tensions:
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The tomb has been at the center of controversy following protests and violence in Nagpur during a rally that called for its removal.
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Protesters allege the site glorifies a controversial historical figure, while others argue for its preservation as a historical monument.
“Due to misrepresentation of historical facts via films, media, and social platforms, public sentiment is being manipulated, resulting in symbolic acts of aggression,” Tucy wrote.
He urged the UN to direct the Government of India and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to ensure the tomb is provided legal protection and physical security in line with both national and international law.
