Mughal ‘heir’ appeals to UN for protection of Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra (Picture credit: ANI)
Prince Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, who claims descent from Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar, has written to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging intervention for the protection of Emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb located in Kuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, Maharashtra.
The move follows unrest in March when protests demanding the removal of the tomb led to violence in Nagpur.
According to the news agency ANI, Prince Tucy requested the UN in the letter to direct Indian authorities and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to provide legal protection and security to the site.
He referred to the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, which prohibits any “unauthorised construction, alteration, destruction, or excavation” at protected monuments, stating that any violation is “illegal and punishable under law.”
Prince Tucy, who also identifies himself as the Mutawalli (caretaker) of the Waqf property where the tomb lies, said the site is recognised as a “Monument of National Importance.” He argued that its current vulnerability was due to the “misrepresentation of historical factions through films, media outlets, and social platforms,” which he claimed had led to hate campaigns and public unrest. “Burning of effigies and unwarranted protests are symbolic acts of aggression,” he wrote in his letter to the UN chief.
He further invoked international obligations, citing India’s commitment to the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), which mandates the safeguarding of heritage sites for future generations. “Any act of destruction, neglect, or unlawful alteration of such monuments would amount to a violation of international obligations,” the letter stated.
On March 17, violence broke out in Nagpur during a rally where demands were raised for removing Aurangzeb’s tomb. Stone-pelting was reported, and rumours circulated that a sacred religious book had been desecrated. The clashes led to the arrest of 92 people..
Prince Tucy has previously made headlines for his controversial claims over historical monuments such as the Taj Mahal and the Ayodhya site. He has also maintained his role as caretaker of Aurangzeb’s grave and regularly calls for its protection.
Dressed in traditional Mughal attire, Prince Tucy publicly embraces his royal lineage and has said his campaign is not political but rooted in the preservation of India’s historical and cultural heritage.
