Who Is Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy? Mughal Descendant Seeks UN Intervention to Protect Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Mughal Descendant Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy Appeals to UN for Protection of Aurangzeb’s Tomb
Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy, a man who identifies himself as a direct descendant of the Mughal emperors, has approached the United Nations to seek intervention in preserving the tomb of Emperor Aurangzeb. The tomb, located in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, has recently been at the center of public and political discourse, with increasing calls for its demolition by some groups who associate Aurangzeb with historical oppression.
In a formal communication addressed to the UN, Tucy expressed deep concern over what he perceives as growing hostility toward India’s Islamic heritage and Mughal-era monuments. He emphasized that such historical sites are part of India’s diverse and shared cultural legacy, transcending religious or political affiliations. Tucy urged international bodies to recognize the significance of preserving these monuments, especially in the face of rising ideological narratives that aim to erase or vilify them.
Tucy also argued that Aurangzeb’s tomb is not just a structure made of stone but a representation of centuries of Indo-Islamic history, architectural heritage, and cultural memory. “History cannot be rewritten by demolishing monuments,” he said, stressing that efforts to erase the Mughal past harm India’s image as a secular and inclusive nation. He requested the UN to either declare the site a protected international heritage monument or facilitate a neutral agency to monitor its safety.
This is not the first time Tucy has been in the news for his efforts to preserve Mughal heritage. Over the years, he has repeatedly claimed descent from Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, and has positioned himself as a spokesperson for the dynasty’s legacy in modern India. He has previously made symbolic gestures to promote interfaith harmony, such as apologizing for the destruction of Hindu temples during Mughal rule and supporting the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.
Despite skepticism from some historians and legal experts over his lineage claims, Tucy has remained persistent in asserting his ancestral ties. He has even presented documents and historical references to support his position, and claims that his efforts are driven not by political ambitions but by a desire to promote peace, historical truth, and cultural preservation.
In recent years, Aurangzeb’s legacy has come under intense scrutiny, with various groups calling for renaming roads and cities associated with him. His tomb, a relatively modest structure for an emperor of his stature, has become a focal point in these debates. Tucy’s appeal comes at a time when historical narratives are increasingly contested in India, and heritage sites have turned into flashpoints for ideological clashes.
Through his letter to the UN, Tucy hopes to draw international attention to what he calls “a targeted campaign against historical monuments” and to prevent further polarization of Indian society over the legacy of its past rulers. Whether the UN responds remains to be seen, but his appeal has reignited discussions about how history should be remembered, interpreted, and preserved in a pluralistic society like India.
