On this day 9 April 1669, the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of several prominent Hindu temples in the Indian subcontinent. Aurangzeb was known for his strict Islamic beliefs and policies, which often resulted in tensions with the Hindu majority population of his empire. He believed that the construction and display of Hindu temples were a violation of Islamic law, which forbids the worship of idols.
Some of the temples that were destroyed during Aurangzeb's reign include the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, the Kesava Deo Temple in Mathura, and the Somnath Temple in Gujarat. These temples were not only places of worship but also important cultural and historical landmarks for Hindus. The destruction of these temples led to widespread protests and resentment among the Hindu population, further fueling tensions between the two religious communities.
Aurangzeb's policies towards non-Muslims have been a topic of debate and controversy among historians. Some view him as a religious zealot who sought to impose his Islamic beliefs on the subcontinent, while others argue that his actions were driven by political considerations rather than religious motivations. Nevertheless, the destruction of Hindu temples during his reign remains a dark chapter in Indian history and a source of tension between the Hindu and Muslim communities to this day.
