Seeking safeguarding of Aurangzeb's tomb, Mughal 'descendant’ writes to UN

Hyderabad: Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who identifies himself as a descendant of the last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has written to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, requesting protection for Aurangzeb's tomb located in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra.

His appeal follows recent unrest in Nagpur, sparked by a rally demanding the removal of the tomb, which is situated in Kuldabad within the same district.

Prince Yakub, who also claims to be the Mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property housing the tomb, emphasized that the site has been recognized as a 'Monument of National Importance' and is safeguarded under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958.

"As per the provisions of the said Act, no unauthorised construction, alteration, destruction, or excavation can be undertaken at or near the protected monument, and any such activity would be deemed illegal and punishable under law," the letter to the UN Secretary-General read, as reported by ANI.

He expressed concern over the neglected condition of the tomb and urged that security personnel be stationed there to ensure its protection.

"Due to the misrepresentation of historical factions through films, media outlets, and social platforms has enabled the manipulation of public sentiment, resulting in unwarranted protests, hate campaigns and symbolic acts of aggression such as burning of effigies," he said in the letter.

 He stressed that under international law, there is a responsibility to protect and preserve cultural heritage for the benefit of both current and future generations.

Referring to India's commitment as a signatory to the 1972 UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, he argued that any act of damage, neglect, or unauthorized alteration to such monuments would constitute a breach of international obligations.

He called on the UN Secretary-General to take note of the issue and urged that the Indian government, along with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), be directed to ensure the tomb receives full legal protection, security, and preservation in line with both national and international laws.