Overview

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled a life-size statue of Maharana Pratap in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, formerly known as Aurangabad.
• Singh emphasized that Maharana Pratap and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj symbolize national heroism, contrasting their legacies with Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
• He criticized post-Independence historians for glorifying Aurangzeb while neglecting the contributions of Pratap and Shivaji.
• Singh argued that honoring figures like Aurangzeb insults Indian Muslims and pointed to the inclusivity of Pratap and Shivaji's armies, which included Muslims.
• The event has intensified discussions on renaming landmarks and reframing historical narratives, aligning with broader political trends in India.