Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb: The Sixth Mughal Emperor

Who was Aurangzeb, and why does his name resonate through the annals of history? Muhi al-Din Muhammad, known as Aurangzeb, reigned over the vast expanse of the Mughal Empire from 1658 to 1707. Born on November 3, 1618, he was destined for greatness, a title that would come with immense power and controversy.

Early Life and Education

Aurangzeb’s journey began in the Mughal court, where he received an education that included combat, military strategy, administration, Islamic studies, Turkic, and Persian literature. Growing up fluent in Hindustani and Chagatai Turkic, he preferred to use Persian, a language that would later become synonymous with his reign.

Notable Early Achievements

In 1633, a war elephant stampeded through the Mughal imperial encampment. Aurangzeb rode against it and threw his spear at its head, earning him the title of Bahadur (brave) and presents for his courage. At just 15 years old, he received gold and other gifts weighing his weight in gold.

Political Intrigue and Succession

The path to power was fraught with political intrigue. In 1658, Aurangzeb defeated his father’s chosen successor, Dara Shikoh, at the Battle of Dharmat and declared himself emperor. The war of succession that followed was a brutal contest for control, involving betrayal, imprisonment, and execution.

The Battle of Dharmat

At the Battle of Dharmat, Aurangzeb’s forces clashed with those of Dara Shikoh. Despite initial setbacks, Aurangzeb emerged victorious, marking a turning point in his rise to power. The battle was not just a military engagement but a symbolic struggle for the soul of the Mughal Empire.

Reign and Expansion

Aurangzeb’s reign saw the expansion of the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, reaching 4 million square kilometers. He imposed the Fatawa-i Alamgiri, a code of laws based on Islamic principles, and prohibited forbidden activities.

Religious Policies

Aurangzeb’s religious policies were both his strength and his weakness. While he endeavored to make Islam dominant, these efforts brought him into conflict with those opposed to this revival. He banned practices such as Sati, but its practice remained rare due to officials evading the ban through bribes.

Architecture and Patronage

Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by significant architectural achievements. The Lahore Badshahi Masjid and Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad were among his notable constructions. He also patronized Islamic calligraphy, creating Quran manuscripts in the naskh style.

Textile Industry

The textile industry flourished under Aurangzeb, with artisans producing fine silks, brocades, and muslins using techniques like Himru, Paithani, Mushru, and Kalamkari. The Mughal Empire’s patronage of the Aceh Sultanate and its trade relations with Russia further enriched his reign.

Military Campaigns

Aurangzeb’s military campaigns were extensive and brutal. He waged continuous war in the Deccan for over two decades, losing about a fifth of his army to Maratha rebellions. His efforts to recapture Kandahar from the Safavid dynasty and his failed attempts against the Ahom kingdom in Assam highlight the complexity of his military strategy.

Maratha Wars

The Maratha Empire posed a significant challenge to Aurangzeb’s rule. Shivaji, the Maratha leader, used guerrilla tactics to take control of three Adil Shahi forts and assumed de facto leadership of many independent Maratha clans. Despite his efforts, Aurangzeb was unable to conquer the region, leading to a prolonged and costly war.

Legacy and Controversy

Aurangzeb’s legacy is complex and controversial. While he expanded the Mughal Empire and ruled over an estimated 158 million subjects, his policies of religious persecution and harsh military campaigns have been criticized. Some historians argue that his attitude towards Islamic scholarship was positive, while others see him as a figure who abandoned the pluralism and religious tolerance of his predecessors.

Final Years

The emperor’s final years were marked by constant warfare and personal extravagance. By 1705, Aurangzeb had ceased to understand the purpose of his campaign in the Deccan. He died at his military camp in Bhingar near Ahmednagar on March 3, 1707, at the age of 88, with only 300 rupees and a request not to spend extravagantly on his funeral.

Aurangzeb’s rule remains a subject of both praise and controversy. He expanded the Mughal Empire, but his policies of religious persecution and harsh military campaigns have left a lasting impact on Indian history. His legacy continues to be debated, with some seeing him as a hero who fought for Islamic purity and others as a tyrant who undermined the pluralism of his empire.