Decoding Aurangzeb—History as a political battleground

The idea of “India” as evolved during the freedom struggle is all inclusive. This inclusive idea was the underlying ideology of the leaders of the Indian national movement. In opposition to this, those who were subservient to the British and kept aloof from the freedom movement had ideas of “Nationalism” which were presented in the garb of religion: Muslim Nationalism and Hindu Nationalism. This sectarian nationalism was structured around “Hate The Other.” They built their politics around a narrow understanding of history. They also picked up selective events and kings doings to demonize the “Other.” While “temple destructions” and “Islam spread through the sword of Muslim kings” were the major propaganda planks, Aurangzeb and Babar in particular were picked up for demonising the Muslims of India. While in Pakistan, Hindus were likewise demonised and then deleted from history books, India saw the demonisation of Muslim kings and now they are being deleted from the history books.