Over Rs 12 lakh has been spent by the government on the upkeep of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb over the past decade. The information was revealed through a Right to Information (RTI) request where there was a sharp increase in government spending on the tomb of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb over the past two decades.
The RTI was filed by Pune-based activist Prafful Sarda. He stated that The information, disclosed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), highlights a sharp rise in annual spending on the monument, located in Khuldabad, Maharashtra.
Findings of the RTI
According to the information, the lowest expenditure on the tomb was done in the year 2005–06 with Rs 1,395. Similarly, in the year 2024-2025, Rs 5,35,988 was spent over the maintenance of the tomb. Between the financial year 2004 and 2014, a total of Rs 2,54,128 was spent for the renovation.
However, these figures rapidly increased to nearly sixfold in the subsequent period from 2014 to 2025. The amount the government spent over the maintenance of this tomb reached to Rs 12,24,104. According to the official data after the year 2013 the annual expenses for maintenance, security, renovation, and restoration of the Aurangzeb tomb have seen a dramatic increase.
Activist Prafful Sarda’s Statement
Prafful Sarda, commented on the findings, calling for transparency and accountability in heritage conservation practices. “This data raises serious questions about resource allocation and the changing priorities in preserving India’s monuments,” he stated.
“Instead of allocating increasing funds to preserve the legacy of a cruel Mughal emperor, both the state and central governments should prioritize the conservation of forts and historical monuments built by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and other revered Maratha leaders,” Sarda emphasized.
History of Aurangzeb’s tomb
The Tomb of Aurangzeb is located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, India. In notable contrast to other Mughal tombs, which are large monuments of Mughal architecture, including the Taj Mahal, at his own direction Aurangzeb is buried in an unmarked grave at the complex of the dargah or shrine of Sheikh Zainuddin.
The Tomb has become a symbol of political contention due to Aurangzeb’s historical legacy despite the simplicity of the tomb. This majorly includes his execution of Maratha ruler Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and the destruction of Hindu temples during his reign.
The Row over Aurangzeb’s tomb
In March 2025, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) submitted a memorandum to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb. They also demanded the removal of the site from the list of protected monuments. “Any memorial of Aurangzeb is a symbol of pain and slavery, so the grave should be demolished completely,” it said.
Nagpur violence
Following the VHP’s demand on 17 March 2025, communal violence erupted in Nagpur, Maharashtra. The right-wing Hindu organizations demanded the removal of the tomb. The unrest began after members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal staged a protest. During the protest they burned an effigy of Aurangzeb and chanted slogans. Over 105 individuals were arrested by the police.
CM Fadnavis blames ‘Chhaava’
Following the uproar in Nagpur Maharashtra Chief Minister Fadnavis blamed the movie ‘Chhaava’ for the Nagpur violence. “After that (the movie), people’s emotions have been reignited. The anger against Aurangzeb is being exhibited in a big way,” he said. The film ‘Chhaava’ starring Vicky Kaushal, is a historical action film based on the life of Sambhaji Maharaj, the second ruler of the Maratha Empire.
Meanwhile, the RTI findings add a new layer to ongoing discussions about the legacy of historical figures and the public funds allocated for their commemoration.
