Asaduddin Owaisi on Hindu Temple Demolitions in India by Mughals

Owaisi spoke at an event and referred to Eaton’s book Temple Desecration and the Muslim States in Medieval India.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has claimed that only 80 Hindu temples were demolished during Muslim rule in India. He cited American historian Richard M. Eaton. Owaisi spoke at an event and referred to Eaton’s book Temple Desecration and the Muslim States in Medieval India. The book states that between the 11th century and 1600 AD, only 80 temples were destroyed under Muslim rulers.

“They keep saying in the media that temples were demolished 400 years ago. But Richard M. Eaton has written in his book. He stated that during Muslim rule from the 11th century to 1600, only 80 temples were destroyed.

Pushyamitra Shunga and Other Historical Figures Also Targeted Religious Sites: Owaisi

Owaisi further argued that temple destruction was not exclusive to Muslim rulers. He cited historical examples of Hindu rulers targeting Buddhist and Jain sites. He claimed that Pushyamitra Shunga, the founder of the Shunga Empire, had destroyed thousands of Buddhist worship sites.

“Pushyamitra Shunga demolished thousands of Buddhist places of worship. Will you make a film on that? Pallava King Narasimhavarman I stole the idol of Lord Ganesha from the Chalukyan capital Vatapi in 640 AD. Chinese traveler Xuanzang wrote that King Shashanka ordered the cutting down of the Bodhi tree,” Owaisi said.

He further argued that Mughal rulers used religion as a means to expand their empire. It was not a core ideological belief. “In the 10th century, King Indra demolished the Kalapriya Temple. They ask me why I speak about the Mughals. What do I have to do with them? They were emperors. Emperors have no religion; they used religion to expand their rule,” he asserted.

Attacks BJP, Modi Over Maratha Reservation

Owaisi also criticized the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue of Maratha reservation. He challenged the government. He stated, “If Narendra Modi and the BJP truly admire Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, then they should grant reservations for Marathas. Why don’t they do it?”

Takes a Dig at Yogi Adityanath Over Urdu Comments

The AIMIM chief also targeted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his recent comments on the Urdu language. Owaisi mocked Adityanath, suggesting that he lacked knowledge of Urdu and questioned his ideological background.

“It is clear that the UP Chief Minister does not know Urdu. But only he can explain why he did not become a scientist. The ideology he comes from did not participate in India’s freedom struggle. He hails from Gorakhpur, where Raghupati Sahay ‘Firaq’ was born—one of the most renowned Urdu poets. But he was not a Muslim. This reflects their intellectual capacity,” Owaisi remarked.

Owaisi’s comments are expected to spark fresh political controversy. Debates around historical temple demolitions, religious identity, and political ideology continue to dominate the national discourse.