'Khultabad To Be Renamed Ratnapur', Hints Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat Amid Aurangzeb Tomb Row

Mumbai: In a major political development, Sanjay Shirsat, the guardian minister of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, announced that Khultabad, a town located about 30 kilometers from the city, will be renamed Ratnapur. The town is home to the tomb of Mughal ruler Aurangzeb, which has been in the centre of a major controversy in recent times. The decision, declared on Sunday, ties into a broader campaign to restore original names that were altered during the Mughal era, particularly by Emperor Aurangzeb.

Shiv Sena leader Shirsat, explained that just as the city of Aurangabad was once known as Khadki before it was renamed by Aurangzeb, Khultabad too was originally called Ratnapur. "We are in the process of renaming all such places whose names were changed by Aurangzeb," he reportedly told the media. This move is part of a growing trend among certain political and ideological groups to reassert historical and cultural identities that they believe were suppressed or altered during foreign rule.

Khultabad, often referred to as the 'heavenly abode,' is the burial site of Aurangzeb, a fact that has recently placed the town in the crosshairs of right-wing groups demanding the removal of his tomb. Shirsat has been a vocal supporter of this demand, stating that there is no place for Aurangzeb’s grave in Maharashtra and labelling the Mughal ruler a cruel leader.

Alongside the renaming, Shirsat also revealed that his office has received multiple proposals requesting the establishment of memorials for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his son Sambhaji Maharaj in Khultabad. “Such demands will be considered positively,” he assured.

Security Ramped Up At Aurangzeb's Tomb

Meanwhile, security was tightened around Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khultabad due to the heightened tensions and threats from various right-wing factions. Police personnel have been deployed to maintain order and closely monitor visitors to the site.

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