After watching Chhaava, author Amish Tripathi has called for renaming all places bearing Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s name in honour of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. The film, based on the life of Sambhaji, left the renowned writer deeply moved, prompting him to voice strong historical and cultural sentiments.

A Stirring Call for Renaming

Tripathi took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts, saying, “I saw Chhaava yesterday. I had read about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, not least because of my deep interest in Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his successors; some historians say that this dynasty founded much of the sinews of modern India by reviving our ancient Dharmic ways that had been attacked to near extinction by the 17th century.”

Expressing the emotional impact of the film, he noted that while he had read about Sambhaji's brutal torture, “many accounts indicate Aurangzeb did far worse than what was shown in the movie. But seeing it unfold in audio-visual form, with emotions running high, hit very hard.”

A Rebuttal to the 'Ganga-Jamuna Tehzeeb' Narrative

Challenging the commonly accepted idea of cultural assimilation being the reason for India's survival, Tripathi emphasised the role of resistance. “Nobody did our ancestors any favours. We didn't survive because of the peaceful mingling of the waters of Ganga-Jamuna and its tehzeeb. We survived because our ancestors fought hard. Unlike many other ancient cultures who surrendered to these same invaders. And what are we worth, if we cannot honour our brave ancestors?”

Citing The New York Times, he pointed out that Aurangzeb was “among history's most genocidal rulers, surpassed only by Mao Zedong and Joseph Stalin.” Reinforcing his stance, he declared, “I think that EVERY SINGLE PLACE named after the Timurid barbarian Aurangzeb should be renamed after Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.”

The Impact of Chhaava and Its Box Office Success

Chhaava, starring Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, and Rashmika Mandanna, has taken the box office by storm, emerging as the highest-grossing Hindi film of the year. With a worldwide collection of Rs 164.75 crore in its opening weekend, it has surpassed Skyforce, which grossed over Rs 140 crore in its first three days.

Beyond commercial success, the film is also making waves at the policy level. Several states, including Madhya Pradesh and Goa, have declared it tax-free.

A Larger Historical Debate

Tripathi’s statements have reignited discussions about historical representation and the need for a shift in India's cultural and political landscape.

Inputs from TOI