Aurangzeb (1657-1707)

Aurangzeb, also known by his full name Muḥī al-Dīn Muḥammad, held the position of the sixth emperor in the Mughal dynasty, succeeding his father Shah Jahan. Born on November 3, 1618, in Dhod, Malwa, India, he was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Aurangzeb’s reign marked a pinnacle for the Mughal Empire, earning him the title Alamgir, meaning conqueror of the world. Despite his achievements, Aurangzeb’s leadership is often characterized by its perceived ruthlessness. Some view his era as a transformative period, contributing to what is referred to as a “Golden Age” in Indian civilization.

Aurangzeb’s Early Life

Aurangzeb, the third son of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal, was born on November 3, 1618, in Dhod, Malwa, India.
His serious-minded nature became apparent from his childhood, and he grew up as a devout Sunni Muslim with orthodox beliefs.
Aurangzeb developed military and administrative abilities, earning admiration throughout the kingdom.
His prowess and taste for power led to a rivalry with his elder brother for the Mughal throne.
In 1657, as Shahjahan fell seriously ill, a race for the throne ensued, with Shah Jahan initially favoring his elder son, Dara.
Advisors, however, viewed Dara as too worldly, and tension escalated as Aurangzeb emerged as a more committed and favored contender.
Aurangzeb displayed ruthless determination, strategic military skills, and dissimulation in the power struggle against Dara.
The conflict peaked in 1658 at the Battle of Samudarh, where Aurangzeb defeated Dara, securing his claim to the throne.
Upon gaining power, Aurangzeb confined Shahjahan to the Agra palace.
His reign witnessed the demise of one brother and the execution of two other brothers, a son, and a nephew, showcasing his ruthless consolidation of power.

Aurangzeb Rule

Aurangzeb’s reign, spanning 49 years from 1658 to 1707, stands as the longest in the Mughal Empire.
His rule can be divided into two nearly equal parts, the first lasting until 1680.
Despite being disliked for his ruthlessness, Aurangzeb was feared and respected for his exceptional military and administrative prowess.
In the early days, he defended the northwest from external threats and clashed with Maratha Chief Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who managed to seize the port of Surat twice.
Aurangzeb followed his great grandfather’s tactics of conquering enemies, reconciling them, and integrating them into imperial service.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was defeated, called for reconciliation in 1667 but evaded capture, maintaining independence until his death in 1680.
Post-1680, a change in the Mughal Empire’s attitude and policies occurred.
Aurangzeb’s orthodox rule replaced the more inclusive governance of previous rulers, positioning Hindus as subordinates rather than colleagues.
In 1679, Aurangzeb reintroduced the poll tax or jizya on non-Muslims, causing religious tension and leading to a shift in loyalty among Hindu subjects.
This move sparked a Rajput revolt against the Mughal emperor in 1681.
War with the Marathas intensified in 1687, resulting in the capture and execution of Aurangzeb’s son, Sambhaji, in 1689.
The Maratha kingdom was annexed, prompting their migration southward and a temporary halt in their activities.
Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire both in the north and south.
However, his military campaigns and religious intolerance strained relations with subjects, leading to a loss of control in the administration.
Sikh rebellion began with Aurangzeb imposing additional taxes on agricultural lands.
To finance wars, Aurangzeb imposed higher taxes on agricultural lands, leading to economic strain.
The agricultural revolt of the Sikhs, coupled with Jat uprisings, intensified pressure on the Mughal Empire.
Aurangzeb’s orthodox religious behavior and imposition of religious policies damaged the stability of the Mughal Empire.
His attempts to enforce his beliefs and morals led to widespread discontent, contributing to the decline of the once-powerful empire.

Legacy of Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb, often regarded as “The last Great Mughal Emperor,” governed for an extensive 49-year period. However, critics argue that his uncompromising demeanor and religious policies rendered him ill-suited to rule over a diverse population within his empire. His implementation of Sharia law and the imposition of jizya religious taxes on non-Muslims, along with the doubling of customs duties on Hindus and the destruction of temples, triggered a religious rebellion against him, ultimately leading to his downfall.

Death of Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb passed away at the age of 88 in central India on March 3, 1707, succumbing to natural causes brought on by terminal illnesses. His nearly five-decade-long rule concluded without the declaration of a crown prince, triggering a power struggle among his three sons: Bahadur Shah I, Muhammad Azam Shah, and Muhammad Kam Baksh. At the time of his death, the Mughal Empire was in a precarious state, marked by widespread rebellions opposing Aurangzeb’s policies and beliefs. Following his demise, his son Bahadur Shah I took the reins, but the Mughal Empire continued on a downward trajectory, eventually succumbing to British rule in 1858 when the last Mughal emperor was exiled.

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