New Delhi: After fueling communal tensions in Nagpur over the Aurangzeb tomb controversy, the right-wing Hindu nationalist organization Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) has now set its sights on a new target. The group’s Delhi unit has launched a survey of historical monuments in the capital, claiming it aims to assess how many structures are linked to Mughal or Muslim rulers compared to those associated with Hindu kings.
On Sunday, a delegation led by the Delhi state president of VHP visited Humayun’s Tomb as part of this initiative. According to VHP’s national spokesperson Vinod Bansal, the survey will continue in the coming days. He stated, “People of Delhi want to know why the city has numerous Mughal-era monuments but hardly any signs of Hindu rulers who ruled for thousands of years.”
Bansal pointed out that while the tombs of Mughal rulers like Akbar and those from the Tughlaq dynasty are well-preserved, there are no significant monuments of Hindu kings like Prithviraj Chauhan. He claimed this was a historical injustice and that VHP’s survey seeks to highlight it.
The VHP has also announced the formation of a team of archaeology experts to study Delhi’s historical buildings. This team will examine not only Mughal-era symbols but also remnants of Hindu rulers who allegedly fought against them.
While the VHP has labeled its initiative as an academic study, there is speculation that it could spark controversy over Humayun’s Tomb, similar to past debates over other Mughal monuments. The group has also stated that its next stop will be Safdarjung’s Tomb.
This move comes amid rising Hindu nationalist campaigns seeking to rewrite historical narratives in India. The survey raises concerns about potential future demands for renaming or repurposing Mughal-era sites, which could further deepen communal tensions in the country.
