Taj Mahal Controversy: Two Right-Wing Activists Arrested for Offering Gangajal

Taj Mahal Controversy: Two Right-Wing Activists Arrested for Offering Gangajal

Taj Mahal controversy: Two right-wing activists arrested for offering 'Gangajal'. Read about the incident, historical and legal perspectives, and its impact on society and politics.

The Taj Mahal, a symbol of love and beauty, has once again become a center of controversy. On Saturday, two members of the right-wing organization, Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha, were arrested by the Agra police for offering 'Gangajal' (water from the Ganges) at the Taj Mahal. The incident has sparked a fresh debate on the religious and cultural significance of the monument.

Incident Description

The arrested individuals, identified as Vinesh and Shyam, entered the Taj Mahal with tickets and carried bottles of Gangajal. They were caught by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) while offering the water at the doors of the tomb, where Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his wife Mumtaz Mahal are buried. The CISF handed them over to the local police, and a case was registered against them at the Tajganj police station.

Right-Wing Organizations' Claims

Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha and other right-wing organizations claim that the Taj Mahal is actually a ancient Shiva temple, known as 'Tejomahalaya'. They demand that the monument's religious significance be changed and it be re-established as a Hindu temple. The organization has previously attempted to perform Shiva puja inside the Taj Mahal but was unsuccessful.

Historical and Legal Perspective

The controversy surrounding the Taj Mahal's religious significance is not new. Built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the monument is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and a symbol of love and devotion. However, right-wing organizations have long claimed that the Taj Mahal is a Hindu temple, which has been repeatedly rejected by historians and the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Taj Mahal's Security and Constitutional Rights

The Taj Mahal is a national treasure, and its security is of utmost importance. The Indian Constitution mandates the protection and preservation of historical monuments like the Taj Mahal. Special laws and rules are in place to prevent any religious or communal activities within the monument. In this case, the CISF and local administration took swift action, arresting the accused individuals.

Impact on Society and Politics

The controversy surrounding the Taj Mahal's religious significance has significant implications for Indian society and politics. It raises questions about religious tolerance, cultural heritage, and communal harmony. This incident has once again brought to the forefront the issue of whether our cultural heritage should be used for religious or political purposes.

Conclusion

The arrest of two individuals for offering 'Gangajal' at the Taj Mahal has reignited the controversy surrounding the monument's religious and cultural significance. It highlights the need for awareness and sensitivity towards our cultural heritage. To protect the Taj Mahal's security and preservation, we must accept it as a historical monument and safeguard its cultural significance. It is time to rise above such controversies and focus on preserving our heritage for future generations.