Netizens React to Protestors Mistaking Bahadur Shah Zafar’s Poster for Aurangzeb
Protest in Pune Takes Unexpected Turn: bahadur Shah Zafar Mistaken for Aurangzeb
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Pune, March 17, 2025 – A protest in Pune took an unexpected turn when members of a right-wing group mistakenly burned a poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar instead of Aurangzeb. The incident, captured in a now-viral video, has sparked widespread mockery online.
The Incident Unfolds
The Patit Pavan Sanghatna, a right-wing group, organized a protest in Pune, echoing demands from other organizations like Bajrang Dal and Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for the removal of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. Though, the protest took an embarrassing turn when the group mistakenly targeted Bahadur Shah Zafar’s poster.
The video shows members of the Patit Pavan Sanghatna gathering near Shaniwar Wada. They garlanded the poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar with footwear, mistaking him for Aurangzeb, before setting it ablaze while chanting slogans against the Mughal emperor.
Watch: The viral video of the incident.
The blunder quickly drew attention on social media, with users expressing amusement and criticism. Comments ranged from humorous too critical, with some users coining the term “WhatsApp University Graduates” to describe the protestors. One user quipped, “When you take lessons from Bollywood movies,” while another suggested, “Unemployment is a big problem.”
Who Was Bahadur Shah Zafar?
To provide context, Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal emperor, and Aurangzeb was his great-great-grandfather. Born on October 24, 1775, Zafar ascended the throne in 1837. By that time, the Mughal Empire had significantly declined, confined mainly to the Red Fort in Old Delhi.
Bahadur Shah Zafar was also a renowned poet, musician, and calligrapher.He wrote under the pen name “Zafar,” and his poetry reflected a deep understanding of love, loss, and spirituality.
In 1857,Zafar became the symbolic leader of the Indian Rebellion against British rule. Following the rebellion’s failure, the British captured him and tried him for treason. in 1858, he was exiled to rangoon (present-day Yangon, Myanmar), where he lived in hardship and isolation until his death on November 7, 1862.
Pune Protest Mix-up: Burning the Wrong Mughal Emperor’s Poster – Q&A
A protest in pune on March 17, 2025, took a farcical turn when members of a right-wing group, Patit Pavan Sanghatna, mistakenly burned a poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar instead of Aurangzeb. This article delves into the details of the incident, the social media reaction, and provides essential context about bahadur Shah Zafar.
Key Questions About the Pune Protest Mix-Up
Why was there a protest in Pune?
The protest was organized by the Patit Pavan Sanghatna in Pune. It was inspired by demands from organizations like Bajrang Dal and vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) for the removal of aurangzeb’s tomb located near Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad). These groups believe the tomb is a symbol of unwelcome historical dominance. According to news reports, such protests have been planned and executed previously by these organizations.
What exactly happened during the protest?
Members of the Patit Pavan Sanghatna gathered near Shaniwar Wada in Pune. they mistakenly identified a poster of Bahadur Shah Zafar as Aurangzeb. The protestors then garlanded the poster with footwear and set it ablaze while chanting slogans against the mughal emperor they thought they were targeting.
The incident quickly went viral, drawing a mix of amusement and criticism on social media platforms.
Humorous Reactions: Many users found the mistake comical and shared humorous memes and comments.
Critical Reactions: Other users criticized the protestors for their lack of knowledge and historical understanding. Some coined the term “WhatsApp University Graduates” to mock the protestors. Specific comments included jibes like, “When you take lessons from Bollywood movies,” and suggestions that the incident reflected broader issues like “Unemployment.”
who was Bahadur Shah Zafar, and why was he mistaken for Aurangzeb?
Bahadur Shah Zafar was the last Mughal Emperor, a renowned poet, musician, and calligrapher. Here’s why the mistake is significant:
Historical Context: Bahadur Shah zafar was Aurangzeb’s great-great-grandson. Aurangzeb ruled from 1658 to 1707, while Zafar ruled from 1837 to 1857. They lived in vastly different eras.
Symbolic Leadership: In 1857, Zafar became the symbolic leader of the Indian Rebellion against British rule. After the rebellion failed,the British exiled him to Rangoon (present-day Yangon,Myanmar),where he died in 1862.
* Legacy: Zafar is remembered for his poetry, which often reflected themes of love, loss, and spirituality. He wrote under the pen name “Zafar.”
What is the significance of Aurangzeb’s tomb?
Aurangzeb’s tomb is a point of contention for certain right-wing groups who view him as a symbol of historical oppression and wish to erase his presence from the landscape. These feelings sometimes manifest as protests and demands for the tomb’s removal, as seen with the Bajrang Dal and VHP. The presence of the tomb and related controversies have previously led to decreased foot traffic to the site.
Comparing Aurangzeb and bahadur Shah Zafar
| Feature | Aurangzeb | Bahadur Shah Zafar |
| —————— | ———————————— | ————————————— |
| Reign | 1658-1707 | 1837-1857 |
| Position | Mughal Emperor | Last Mughal Emperor |
| Key Events | Expansion of Mughal Empire | Symbolic leader of the 1857 Rebellion |
| Death | Died in Ahmednagar | Died in exile in Rangoon |
| Legacy | Controversial figure in Indian history | Remembered as a poet and symbol of resistance |
What are the demands regarding Aurangzeb’s tomb?
Some Hindu organizations, like the VHP and Bajrang Dal, are demanding the removal of Aurangzeb’s tomb, viewing it as a symbol of foreign domination.
Where is Aurangzeb’s tomb located?
Aurangzeb’s tomb is located in Khuldabad, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra.
What is Shaniwar Wada?
Shaniwar Wada is a historical fort in Pune that was once the seat of the Peshwa rulers of the Maratha Empire. It holds significant cultural and historical importance in the region.