The 2025 Nagpur riots

 On March 17, 2025, Nagpur, Maharashtra, underwent significant unrest following protests led by Hindu organizations imploring the removal of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb from Aurangabad. The situation escalated quickly, resulting in injuries, vandalization, violence, arson etc.

The release of the film Chhaava, showing how the Maratha ruler Sambhaji was tortured by Aurangzeb, reinstated several statements made about the 'aggressive' and 'domineering' Mughal emperor. Though there is truth in their statements about his evil, he was also like any other ruler, he was hungry. Hungry for power, respect, wealth and public appreciation, his ways of acquiring them were (just a little) different (and maybe a tad bloody).


In the weeks leading up to the violence, the VHP and Bajrang Dal further amplified the common people's demands. Although, in my opinion, Aurangzeb's tomb should not be removed, simply because he deserves to be remembered and preserved. He has contributed greatly to history and society even with his unjust methods. Also, I believe, that remembering the worst of people tells us what not to be, and tells us that even if you are not a great hero, you don't need to be an even greater villain.

  

On March 17, people from VHP and Bajrang Dal organized a 'demonstration' (what I call a protest) near the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj statue in Nagpur's Mahal area. They burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and demanded that his tomb be demolished. Reports emerged that a 'chadar' with Quranic inscriptions was burned during the demonstration, which some sources characterized as rumours. After this about 1000 civilians (although we can't call them civil anymore) revolted by stone pelting. Over 60 vehicles were vandalized and torched, including 36 cars, 22 two-wheelers, and a crane among others.


Although action was taken against people committing this act, it just shows how deep-rooted religion is in the human psyche (especially the Indian one). It shows how the society we live in impacts our thinking. I think it is high time we abolish age-old thinking of Hindu versus Muslim or any religious combat in general, after all, it is about preserving the 'right' ideas and the 'right' morals.

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