Jain monk’s claim about ‘Jain woman queen’ defeating Aurangzeb sparks row

Kolhapur: Jain monk Acharya Nayan Padmasagar's claim about "a Jain queen" defeating Mughal emperor Aurangzeb has sparked a major controversy, with the comment being widely interpreted as a reference to legendary Maratha queen Maharani Tarabai. Historians, politicians and Maratha organisations have dismissed the assertion as historically inaccurate.The monk made the alleged comment while addressing a Mahavir Jayanti event in Mumbai on Tuesday.Historian Indrajit Sawant described the assertion as "baseless," saying Tarabai's lineage was well documented. "She was the daughter of renowned Maratha commander Hambirrao Mohite and the daughter-in-law of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj," Sawant said."There is nothing to debate about which community she came from. The Jain monk appears to have little or no knowledge of Maratha history," Sawant said, adding, "While it is not wrong to admire historical figures, presenting incorrect history is completely unfair. The Jain community is known to be peace-loving, and its leaders should exercise restraint while speaking about historical personalities."Opposition politicians and several Maratha outfits have also accused the monk of twisting historical facts and attempting to "appropriate Maratha icons". Former MP Raju Shetti, who belongs to the Jain community, said: "Maharani Tarabai was the founder of the Karvir Sansthan. She was born to Hambirrao Mohite, a general in Shivaji Maharaj's army, from Talbeed near Karad in Satara district. The religious leader should have verified facts that are well known before making such a statement. Religious leaders should focus on guiding people, not creating social discord through inaccurate claims about historical figures."Members of Kolhapur's royal family — Shahu Chhatrapati, Sambhajiraje Chhatrapati and Malojiraje Chhatrapati — also condemned the monk's remarks and demanded an apology.