A curfew has been declared in parts of Nagpur, a city in Maharashtra, India, following violent protests regarding the tomb of Aurangzeb, a 17th-century Mughal emperor.

The unrest occurred on Monday night when members of two Hindu organizations, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal, set fire to an effigy of Aurangzeb and shouted slogans advocating for the removal of his tomb.

The tomb, located approximately 500 kilometers from Nagpur in the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar district, has become a contentious symbol due to rising calls from hardline Hindu groups for its removal, reigniting historical grievances.

The violence escalated amidst rumors of desecration of religious symbols, which state officials described as a catalyst for organized civil disturbances.

Maharashtra's Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, reported that after evening prayers, a group of approximately 250 Muslim men began to protest, leading to clashes with police forces.

Authorities stated that over 50 individuals were detained, and at least 33 police officers sustained injuries during the confrontations.

In response to the unrest, security measures have been significantly increased across Nagpur, with shops and businesses in central areas shut down.

The situation has prompted criticism from opposition parties regarding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led state's governance and its handling of law and order.

The immediate trigger for the protests also implicates a recent Bollywood film depicting Sambhaji, a Maratha ruler opposed to Aurangzeb, which some believe has stoked public anger regarding the Mughal emperor's legacy.

Fadnavis acknowledged in the state assembly that the film's portrayal has intensified debates surrounding Aurangzeb's historical impact.

The discourse around Aurangzeb has intensified lately, particularly following comments by regional politician Abu Azmi, who defended the emperor’s actions and suggested he contributed to India's prosperity during his reign.

Azmi's remarks led to political backlash and subsequent disciplinary action.

The controversy surrounding Aurangzeb's legacy includes disputes over earlier historical narratives, especially concerning Hindu temples destroyed under his orders.

In a separate incident last year, Aurangzeb's name trended on social media following a court's decision to survey a mosque built on what some assert was a historically significant Hindu site.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also weighed in on the subject, condemning Aurangzeb’s historical actions during a public address in Varanasi, referencing his rule as marked by violence against cultural practices.

Aurangzeb ruled the Mughal Empire from 1658 until his death in 1707, and while his reign is characterized by military conquests and cultural patronage, it has resulted in polarized perceptions that continue to fuel contemporary political and communal tensions in India.