Khuldabad debates Aurangzeb's tomb amid heritage concerns

Khuldabad is a town rich in Sufi history, known for its many shrines and tombs. It is located about 25 kilometers from Aurangabad, which was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in 2022. The town is sometimes called the "Valley of Saints" and the "Garden of Tombs" because it is the final resting place for several Sufi saints, including Shaikh Zainuddin Shirazi and Burhanuddin Garib. One of the notable tombs in Khuldabad is that of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who died in 1707. His burial site is near the dargah of his spiritual guide, in line with his wishes for a simple resting place. However, right-wing groups have called for the removal of his tomb, arguing it tarnishes Maharashtra's history. Historians warn against erasing historical sites and stress the importance of Khuldabad's broader heritage. The town's religious significance is not limited to Aurangzeb's tomb. The robe of Prophet Muhammad is kept at Shaikh Shirazi’s dargah and attracts many devotees every year. Khuldabad is home to other important figures, including Aurangzeb’s son and key leaders from the Ahmednagar Sultanate. Despite ongoing debates about Aurangzeb, Khuldabad remains calm. The town has a population of just over 22,000, with nearly 58% identifying as Muslim and 41% as Hindu, showing a diverse community. Local residents, like shopkeepers and laborers, continue their daily routines. Many express concerns that political tensions could harm their communal harmony. For instance, Sarfaraj Nisar, a flower vendor, believes that political speeches disrupt their peaceful coexistence. Santosh Jadhav, who runs an earthmoving business, shares that local festivals have passed by Aurangzeb’s tomb without any issues, highlighting the cooperative spirit between Hindus and Muslims in the town.