Thousands of people from across India and abroad visited Aurangzeb’s tomb in Khuldabad, 400 km from Mumbai, on December 8 to mark the former Mughal emperor’s 300th death anniversary, which falls on the 27th of Zeeqada, the 11th month in the Islamic Hijri calendar.
“As per the will of Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, he has been buried in the premises of the dargah (tomb) of his spiritual guru, Syed Zainuddin Baiiskhwaja,” said Abdul Hai, president of Mutawllis and Poojaris association. The tomb of his wife – known as Bibi Ka Maqbara – is about 25 km from Mumbai.
Prince Yakub Mohammed Habibuddin Tusi and his family members also arrived in Khuldabad to pay homage to their illustrious forefather. About 100,000 people visited the city to pay homage. The local authorities had declared the day as a holiday.
On the occasion, over 1,400 palanquins arrived from Delhi and other parts of northern India to pay homage. Over 2,000 beggars and poor people were served lunch, said Hai.
The Khuldabad dargah also houses a rare copy of the Holy Qur’an, handwritten by Aurangzeb, which is opened for public display only on special occasions. Aurangzeb spent a few years of his life re-writing holy Islamic scriptures, weaving caps and praying.