Can a historically or architecturally significant monument that is protected by the state be destroyed? Devendra Fadnavis, the chief minister of Maharashtra, stated that he supported Hindu organizations calling for the destruction of Emperor Aurangzeb's tomb in Khuldabad, next to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
He, however, qualified his statement by saying that the structure was under the central government's protection.
Archeologists said the government would break its law if it destroyed a monument listed as a protected structure. "It is not possible that a monument protected by the government can be destroyed by the same state that is responsible for its protection and preservation," said an archeologist with the state archeology department. "The government is mandated by the country's Constitution to protect national monuments."
In 1707 CE, aurangzeb passed away. His and his family members' graves are situated within a vast burial complex that was originally the dargah of Zain-ud-din, a medieval saint who served as Aurangzeb's spiritual mentor. Located in the corner of Zain-ud-din's tomb, Aurangzeb's grave is an open-air mausoleum with marble walls covered in fabric and dirt, in contrast to the opulent tombs of the other five "Great Mughals." Long after his passing, other features were built, such as the walls and gate.
The Khuldabad tomb is listed among the structures in the Archeological survey of India's Ellora subcircle. Over 3600 monuments nationwide are safeguarded and conserved by the ASI. To delist a monument, a lengthy process that involves a public hearing, a gazette notification, and a report to a legislative committee is outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. The last time the ASI proposed to de-list monuments was in march 2024, when it informed the Ministry of Culture, to whom it reports, that it wished to do so for 18 buildings that were either demolished, "untraceable," or no longer considered to be of national significance. The majority were somewhat unimportant locations, such as cemeteries and kos minars (milestones).
"If the procedure under the law is not followed anybody can approach the court and challenge the destruction of a listed monument," according to an archeologist.
According to archaeologists, if a monument is from a significant historical era, it will be challenging for the government to demonstrate that it is not of national significance. The call to demolish Aurangzeb's tomb stems from shifting political views. According to the archeologist, "it will be hard to prove that the tomb (Aurangzeb's) does not exist or that it is not of historical significance."
The chief minister was well-versed in the legislation pertaining to national monuments, as was Suraj Pandit, professor and head of Sathaye College's departments of Buddhist studies and ancient indian culture. He was saying that even though people believe it should be done (demolished), it is not possible because it is protected by the federal government. "The tomb is surrounded by similar structures," Pandit stated. "We are aware that it is a political remark. The idea that the monument will be delisted and demolished is unrealistic.
He, however, qualified his statement by saying that the structure was under the central government's protection.
Archeologists said the government would break its law if it destroyed a monument listed as a protected structure. "It is not possible that a monument protected by the government can be destroyed by the same state that is responsible for its protection and preservation," said an archeologist with the state archeology department. "The government is mandated by the country's Constitution to protect national monuments."
In 1707 CE, aurangzeb passed away. His and his family members' graves are situated within a vast burial complex that was originally the dargah of Zain-ud-din, a medieval saint who served as Aurangzeb's spiritual mentor. Located in the corner of Zain-ud-din's tomb, Aurangzeb's grave is an open-air mausoleum with marble walls covered in fabric and dirt, in contrast to the opulent tombs of the other five "Great Mughals." Long after his passing, other features were built, such as the walls and gate.
The Khuldabad tomb is listed among the structures in the Archeological survey of India's Ellora subcircle. Over 3600 monuments nationwide are safeguarded and conserved by the ASI. To delist a monument, a lengthy process that involves a public hearing, a gazette notification, and a report to a legislative committee is outlined in the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958. The last time the ASI proposed to de-list monuments was in march 2024, when it informed the Ministry of Culture, to whom it reports, that it wished to do so for 18 buildings that were either demolished, "untraceable," or no longer considered to be of national significance. The majority were somewhat unimportant locations, such as cemeteries and kos minars (milestones).
"If the procedure under the law is not followed anybody can approach the court and challenge the destruction of a listed monument," according to an archeologist.
According to archaeologists, if a monument is from a significant historical era, it will be challenging for the government to demonstrate that it is not of national significance. The call to demolish Aurangzeb's tomb stems from shifting political views. According to the archeologist, "it will be hard to prove that the tomb (Aurangzeb's) does not exist or that it is not of historical significance."
The chief minister was well-versed in the legislation pertaining to national monuments, as was Suraj Pandit, professor and head of Sathaye College's departments of Buddhist studies and ancient indian culture. He was saying that even though people believe it should be done (demolished), it is not possible because it is protected by the federal government. "The tomb is surrounded by similar structures," Pandit stated. "We are aware that it is a political remark. The idea that the monument will be delisted and demolished is unrealistic.