Asaduddin Owaisi claims that only 80 temples were destroyed during Muslim rule

Owaisi's Temple Remark Sparks Historical Debate: "Only 80 Temples Destroyed in Muslim Rule"

A heated debate has erupted after AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi claimed that only about 80 temples were destroyed during centuries of Muslim rule in India. The Hyderabad MP made the controversial statement during a recent public address while discussing communal harmony, arguing that exaggerated narratives about temple destruction are fueling unnecessary divisions in society.  

Historical experts have offered mixed reactions to Owaisi's assertion. While some scholars acknowledge the difficulty in obtaining precise numbers, others point to extensive evidence of temple desecrations documented in medieval Persian and Mughal records. "Even conservative estimates would place the number significantly higher, especially during certain periods like Aurangzeb's reign," noted historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain, referencing well-documented cases such as the Kashi Vishwanath and Somnath temples.  

The political response has been sharply divided. BJP leaders have condemned Owaisi's remarks as "historical revisionism," with spokesperson Sambit Patra calling it "an attempt to whitewash painful chapters of India's past." Opposition figures like Congress's Shashi Tharoor have taken a more measured approach, advocating for objective historical study rather than politicization.  

On social media, the controversy has sparked intense discussion, with the hashtag #TempleHistory trending as users shared archaeological evidence, historical accounts, and personal perspectives. Some supported Owaisi's call for a more balanced understanding of India's complex past, while others countered with images and documents showing extensive temple ruins across the country.  

Facing mounting criticism, Owaisi later clarified that his intention was to highlight centuries of Hindu-Muslim coexistence rather than deny historical conflicts. "Our shared history includes both challenging periods and remarkable syncretism," he stated, urging focus on national unity.  

The controversy underscores how interpretations of India's medieval history continue to resonate in contemporary discourse, with archaeological evidence, colonial-era documentation, and modern politics all shaping competing narratives about the nation's past. As the debate continues, it raises important questions about how societies reckon with complex historical legacies while building shared futures.