Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, ascended the throne in 1658 after a fierce battle of succession. He assumed the title Alamgir, meaning “World Conqueror,” reflecting his ambitious and expansionist nature. His reign marked the zenith of the Mughal Empire in terms of territorial extent but also sowed the seeds of its eventual decline.

Early Reign and Military Successes

Aurangzeb’s early reign was marked by significant military successes. In the first decade, he effectively suppressed minor revolts and expanded the empire’s borders. His military prowess and administrative skills reinforced the Mughal Empire’s dominance across the Indian subcontinent.

Revolts and Religious Policies

However, the latter part of Aurangzeb’s reign was plagued by revolts and resistance from various groups, particularly due to his stringent religious policies:

• Jats, Satnamis, and Sikhs: These groups rose in rebellion against Aurangzeb, largely in response to his harsh religious measures, including the re-imposition of the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims). His religious intolerance and puritanical nature alienated many of his subjects, especially the Hindus and Sikhs.
• Influence of Sufism: Aurangzeb was deeply influenced by the Naqshbandi Sufi order, which reinforced his strict adherence to Islamic orthodoxy.
• Execution of Guru Teg Bahadur: His son, Prince Akbar, rebelled against him, and in this connection, Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, in 1675. This act intensified Sikh resistance against the Mughal authority.

Deccan Campaigns and the Maratha Challenge

Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy aimed to curb the growing influence of the Marathas and the rebellious Shia kingdoms of Golconda and Bijapur:

• Annexation of Golconda and Bijapur: Aurangzeb successfully annexed the Shia kingdoms of Golconda and Bijapur, eliminating them as independent powers. However, this move was later regarded as a strategic blunder as it removed the buffer between the Mughal Empire and the Marathas, leading to a direct and prolonged conflict.
• Confrontation with Shivaji: The Maratha leader Shivaji emerged as a formidable opponent. Aurangzeb sent his generals, Shaista Khan and Jai Singh, to capture Shivaji. Although Jai Singh succeeded in capturing him, Shivaji managed to escape from Delhi and continued his guerrilla warfare against the Mughals until his death in 1680.
• Deccan Campaigns and Financial Exhaustion: Aurangzeb’s prolonged campaigns in the Deccan, from 1682 until his death in 1707, drained the empire’s resources. Historian J.N. Sarkar famously remarked that “the Deccan ulcer ruined Aurangzeb,” as the campaigns led to severe financial strain and weakened the empire.
• Continued Maratha Resistance: Even after Shivaji’s death, his sons continued to resist Mughal authority, severely testing Aurangzeb’s resolve until his death.

Death and Legacy

• Aurangzeb’s Death (1707): Aurangzeb died in 1707, marking a significant turning point in Indian history. His death signaled the beginning of the end for the Mughal Empire. Although his successors held the throne for another 150 years, they were weak and ineffectual, and the empire rapidly declined.
• Impact on the Mughal Empire: Aurangzeb’s reign, marked by territorial expansion and religious intolerance, ultimately led to the fragmentation of the empire. His failure to address the growing discontent among his subjects and his exhaustive Deccan campaigns left the empire vulnerable to internal and external threats.

Conclusion

Aurangzeb’s reign was a period of both great achievements and monumental failures. While he expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, his policies also alienated large sections of the population and depleted the empire’s resources. For UPSC aspirants, Aurangzeb’s era is crucial for understanding the complex dynamics of Mughal administration, military strategy, and the factors that led to the eventual decline of one of the world’s most powerful empires.