Mumbai: The Government of Maharashtra will build a memorial at the spot in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, where Chhatrapati Shivaji was practically kept under ‘house arrest’ by Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1666. A Government Resolution (GR) was issued by the Maharashtra government to this effect on Friday.
This move comes at a time when several right wing outfits like the VHP and Bajrang Dal have called for the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb from Sambhaji Nagar (earlier Aurangabad). This demand also sparked off communal riots in Nagpur, earlier this week, resulting in injuries to at least 33 police personnel and damage to property worth crores.
A few days ago, Maharashtra chief minister Devendra Fadnavis had announced the plan for a memorial at Agra. In Friday’s GR, it has been confirmed that the Government of Maharashtra will acquire required land on that spot in Agra, and build the Memorial. The transfer of land should not be a problem as Uttar Pradesh is governed by the BJP and Maharashtrabis also led by an alliance that has the party as the lead partner.
Chhatrapati Shivaji had accepted Aurangzeb’s invitation to Agra, hoping for talks on the boundary between the Mughal and Maratha empires. However, once there with his minor son Sambhaji, Shivaji realised that he has been placed under house arrest, with all his movements being monitored.
Suspecting that the day wasn’t far when Aurangzeb got the father-son duo assassinated, Shivaji devised an escape plan. He feigned illness and started sending out baskets of fruits and sweets as donations to receive blessings. These baskets became so common that the guards stopped checking the contents. One day, Shivaji and Sambhaji hid themselves in two baskets and left the premises. This escapade is now part of history textbooks as well as popular folklore.
The GR states that the tourism department of Maharashtra will generate sufficient funds to acquire the land and build the Memorial. This has become essential as several people from the state who visit Agra with hopes of seeing the spot have to return disappointed.