In a nation where royal lineages tend to generate public interest, one individual from Hyderabad has repeatedly been in the news for asserting direct lineage from the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar. Prince Yakub Tucy (Yakub Habeebuddin Tucy), who claims to be a sixth-generation heir of the overthrown emperor, asserts that his lineage entitles him to rightful ownership of the Taj Mahal — India’s most symbolic representation of love and one of the world’s seven wonders.
Royal Claim of Yakub Tucy and DNA Evidence
Yakub Tucy has constructed a popular image based on Mughal heritage. In traditional royal garments, he posts pictures on social media that remind people of his royal descent regularly. He believes firmly that the Taj Mahal, built by Emperor Shah Jahan in tribute to Mumtaz Mahal, must come into his possession as heir to the Mughal throne.
To support his statement, Yakub Tucy showed a DNA report in a court of law in Hyderabad, claiming it as proof of his heritage. His statement has repeatedly created controversy and received media attention nationwide.
Challenge to Jaipur Royalty and the Waqf Board
In 2019, according to The Times of India, Tucy issued a public challenge to the royal family of Princess Diya Kumari of Jaipur. He insisted that she produce official documents concerning ownership of the monument. “If you do possess the documents stored in your pothikhana, produce them. If you possess even a drop of Rajput blood within you, produce those documents,” he said.
Tucy’s grievances don’t stop at the Taj Mahal. He has also contested the Waqf Board’s ownership of the land where the Babri Masjid existed in Ayodhya. He claimed ownership of the land, arguing that since Mughal emperor Babur originally owned it, he, as Babur’s descendant, should inherit it.
In spite of that, Yakub Tucy took an odd position relative to others who were part of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi case. As per NDTV, he was in favor of the Ram Temple being built and even contributed golden bricks worth ₹1.80 crore to the cause. He said, according to The Economic Times, “We have given an order to the Waqf board that it is not their property. It is a property issue, and if it turns out to be Babur’s property, then we are the owners of it.”. And, as the property owner, we have no problem with the Ram temple being constructed there.
Aurangzeb’s Tomb and Recent Concerns
Prince Tucy is also the mutawalli (caretaker) of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb’s tomb in Maharashtra. The place has been under public scrutiny because of Aurangzeb’s controversial historical past, and recent fears of its possible vandalism have reignited controversy.
To protect the tomb, Tucy made a formal plea to the President of India, seeking the government to protect the monument. “I request the government to take action to protect the monument/grave of Aurangzeb Alamgeer RH,” he pleaded.
While Prince Tucy keeps claiming Mughal descent and protecting royal monuments, his claims — both heritage and headlines — keep invoking strong responses along political and cultural divides.
