Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, generally perceived to be a cruel person who was the champion of Islam, is no longer a figure of Indian medieval history. He has, as one commentator mentioned, become a part of current affairs, given the kind of uproar that has been witnessed in many parts of the country, particularly Maharashtra.
The senseless violence perpetrated in several cities like Nagpur has disturbed the tranquility and peace in the region, and the controversy does not appear to be ending soon. Amongst the multiple causes that have led to this uncalled for violence is the release of a film based on the life and times of a legendary Maratha hero.
The point is that why should the happenings of the 17th century have a fallout in the 21st century unless it is serving some political interests. The BJP and its allies are comfortably placed in power in Maharashtra and have an overwhelming majority in the Assembly. Why would those who are in the ruling dispensation unnecessarily contribute to the mayhem by making irresponsible and uncalled for statements?
There has been this demand for digging or destroying Aurangzeb’s grave, which happens to be a protected monument of the Archaeological Survey of India. The Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, whose statements also contributed to the controversy, seems helpless, with his opponents demanding his resignation since he is also the Home Minister of the state. The question is that why did he not quell the trouble since there should have been intelligence reports regarding the mater.
There is another side to the ongoing confrontation where hotheads from both sides have fuelled the passions. The Maharashtra coalition, despite being strong, has its own share of differences, and therefore a common enemy to keep them together was perhaps the need of the hour. If this allegation being made by the opposition is true, it indeed is a sorry state of affairs.
What is appalling is that there is a pattern which has emerged where figures of history which in the perception of those in power are considered to be evil, are being again resurrected for petty political gains. Writing of history or the way things have been presented in text books has always been contested by those on different sides of ideological thinking. However, what purpose is served by making history into current affairs is something which needs to be asked.
Yes, a country should never forget
Erstwhile Muslim rulers are singled out and their atrocities are getting highlighted, thus contributing to an atmosphere of hate. This hate is dividing our society and thus weakening the country. The rulers, whether Muslims or British or of any other faith, should be seen as rulers, who did bad things and some good things as well. Such deeds happen in even the present times when democratically elected leaders, also tend to be judged by their performances.
Indira Gandhi was without any doubt the greatest mass leader of the last century. She continues to inspire millions of people even today. However, there are blots of the Emergency and “Operation Bluestar”, which continue to smear her image. Simultaneously, she is also seen as one of the strongest leaders of this country who in the defence of the nation, bifurcated Pakistan into two parts following the 1971 war.
Aurangzeb is nowhere in the consciousness of the people. Most people do not know about him either. He was like many other rulers, who killed people and conquered areas for remaining in power. In his case, he imprisoned his own father and killed his brothers. But that is what happened with many other kings of that time and before and after him.
Some days ago, an attempt to create a controversy around the Tughlak Road was made by two MPs including a sitting minister, who put the plaques of Swami Vivekananda Lane outside their homes which were located on Tughlak Lane. News anchors swung into action and started highlighting what Mohammd Bin Tughlak did. How they reached the inference of the road being named after the controversial king is not known. The Tughlak dynasty had three principal kings and the one most remembered is Ferozeshah Tughlak, on whose name there is a road in Lutyens Zone as also a cricket ground. At the remains of his old fort nearby, there is also an Ashoka Pillar. The short point is that if the ruling dispensation wants to rename a road, it is very much within its right. There is a process which begins with the civic body, the NDMC in this case and can be given a shape. However, individual MPs cannot change the nomenclature on their own.
Swami Vivekananda was one of the greatest philosophers of the country who has influenced millions of people over many generations. His name should not be dragged into any controversy for some political ends. Luminaries like him should be kept away from petty politics.
The politicians of today must understand that they should focus more on developing the country and fulfilling the promises they have made to the people. Their aim should be to unite the nation and not divide it. History should not be an instrument of creating unrest. Between us.