Special Correspondent
Mumbai: “The symbols of Maratha valor should not be destroyed; they should be showcased to the world,” stated Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray. He demanded the removal of Aurangzeb’s decorated tomb and the installation of a board stating, “Aurangzeb, who came to destroy the Marathas, was buried here.”
Amid growing demands for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, Raj Thackeray highlighted the historical significance of the Maratha struggle. “Aurangzeb’s empire stretched from Afghanistan to southern India and Bengal. After escaping from Agra, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj returned to Maharashtra and was crowned. Following his demise, one of Aurangzeb’s sons arrived in the south, and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj provided him with shelter and support. This history must be read and understood,” he asserted.
“Aurangzeb fought in Maharashtra for 27 years, from 1681 to 1707, clashing with Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was brutally executed. He also faced Rajaram Maharaj, Santaji Ghorpade, Dhanaji Jadhav, and Maharani Tarabai. Despite his relentless attempts, he could not defeat the Marathas. His ultimate goal was to erase Shivaji Maharaj’s ideology, but he failed. He tried everything and eventually died in Maharashtra. People across the world should know why he came and how he met his end. That is why a board should be placed at his tomb stating that Aurangzeb, who came to annihilate the Marathas, was buried here,” said Thackeray.
“Aurangzeb is part of our history, and history must be read to learn from it. When Afzal Khan came, he was slain at Pratapgad and buried there. The phrase ‘Purun Urin’ (completely annihilated) applies here. Without Shivaji Maharaj’s consent, he would not have been buried. His tomb was made as per Shivaji Maharaj’s orders. The world must know who came to destroy the Marathas and what happened to them. The Marathas buried their enemies, and their symbols should not be erased. The world must be aware that we defeated them,” Thackeray declared.
