A Comprehensive Biography of Aurangzeb
The sixth Mughal emperor, Aurangzeb Alamgir, is one of the most nuanced and disputed characters in Indian history. The Mughal Empire reached its peak in terms of territory under his reign, but he also planted the seeds for its eventual downfall. This blog examines Aurangzeb's life, including his early years, his foreign, administrative, and religious policies, as well as his legacy. Childhood On November 3, 1618, Aurangzeb was born in Dahod, Gujarat, to Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-din Muhammad Aurangzeb was his natal name. In contrast to his older brothers, Aurangzeb grew up with strict discipline and a strong sense of religiosity. From an early age, he was a devoted Muslim, which greatly shaped his worldview and policies later in life
He
studied under experts and became an expert in Arabic, Persian, and Islamic law.
His strategic ability was honed by his early involvement in military
engagements alongside his father. The character of a man who would eventually
be recognized for his rigid and puritanical approach to government was largely
shaped during this time.
Career as Prince
As a
young prince, Aurangzeb was sent on various military expeditions to test his
mettle and showcase his leadership abilities. His first significant role was
commanding Mughal forces in Deccan, where he gained a reputation for both
bravery and ruthlessness. This marked the beginning of his ambitious drive for
power and expansion, as he keenly eyed the throne despite being the third son
of Shah Jahan.
Gujarat's governor
Aurangzeb became the administrator of Gujarat, a significant trade area, in
1645. This was a test of his administrative prowess, and he succeeded in
raising the province's economic profile. In his capacity as governor, he
vigorously upheld Islamic law, outlawed alcohol use, and worked to improve
trade and lessen corruption in order to stabilize the area. He also developed
many of the policies he would ultimately execute as emperor during his tenure
in Gujarat.
Balkh's governor
At his father's request, Aurangzeb was appointed administrator of the northern
regions of the empire in 1647, including Balkh and Badakhshan. The hard weather
and ongoing possibility of Central Asian tribe invasions made this an extremely
difficult assignment. This was a test of Aurangzeb's military leadership, but
he was unable to gain complete control over the area. Although his time as
governor of Balkh was brief, it gave him invaluable military experience.
Second Deccan Governorate
Aurangzeb’s second tenure in the Deccan came in 1653, this time as its
viceroy. The Deccan was a turbulent region, with constant conflicts between the
Mughals and the Marathas, as well as various Deccan sultanates. Aurangzeb faced
significant challenges, but he displayed a blend of military brilliance and
pragmatism. It was here that his lifelong enmity with the Maratha king,
Shivaji, began. Aurangzeb's hardline tactics, including the siege of fortresses
and aggressive military campaigns, would later define much of his reign.
War of
Succession
Aurangzeb’s ascent to the Mughal throne was not without bloodshed. Following
Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657, a brutal war of succession erupted between his
sons—Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb, with his astute military
strategies and alliances, eventually emerged victorious. He captured Dara
Shikoh, the most favored son of Shah Jahan, and had him executed in 1659. This
marked Aurangzeb’s ascension as the emperor of the Mughal Empire, a position he
would hold for nearly five decades.
Reign
Aurangzeb ruled from 1658 until his death in 1707. His reign was
characterized by territorial expansion, consolidation of power, and a series of
religious and administrative reforms. He was a strict Sunni Muslim and enforced
Islamic law (Sharia) across his empire, often at the cost of alienating
non-Muslim subjects.
The bureaucratic
Administrator Aurangzeb was a capable and involved individual. He increased the
size of the Mughal bureaucracy while closely monitoring corruption. In contrast
to his forebears, Aurangzeb gave the empire's financial situation more thought.
He enforced strict guidelines and made sure his employees were held
responsible. In addition, he was reputed to personally supervise military and
administrative choices, building an empire that had the characteristics of
a highly centralized state.
Religious
Policy
Aurangzeb’s religious policy is one of the most controversial aspects of his
reign. He reversed the policies of religious tolerance established by Akbar and
reintroduced the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims). Temples were
destroyed, and conversions to Islam were encouraged. Aurangzeb saw himself as
the "custodian of Islam" and implemented a stricter form of Islamic
law throughout his empire. However, while his policies were restrictive for
non-Muslims, they were not universally oppressive; many Hindu officers
continued to serve in high positions in his administration.
Policy on
Taxation
Aurangzeb combined practicality with religious fervor in his taxation policies.
He improved the empire's income collection systems while doing away with some
of the imperial indulgences. Even though it was contentious, he imposed the
jizya tax on Hindus in order to increase state revenue. But his strict tax
policies, particularly in the agricultural areas, caused a great deal of
unhappiness among the rural population.
Reforms
in Administration
Aurangzeb streamlined the administration of his enormous kingdom by
implementing a number of administrative changes. He made it a personal goal to
strengthen the imperial treasury, increase income collection, and lessen
corruption in the bureaucracy. His goals were to increase military
effectiveness and guarantee more discipline in the administration of the
empire.
Military
Aurangzeb was a skilled military leader and spent much of his reign on
campaign. His relentless pursuit of expanding the Mughal Empire took him to the
far corners of the subcontinent, including the Deccan, Bengal, and Assam. His
military strategies were focused on the use of artillery, fortifications, and
cavalry. However, his long wars, particularly in the Deccan, drained the
empire's resources and contributed to the weakening of Mughal power.
Art and Culture
Unlike his predecessors, Aurangzeb was not a patron of the arts. He
discouraged music and dance at court, considering them frivolous. However,
calligraphy flourished during his reign, and the emperor himself was an
accomplished calligrapher. While he did not actively encourage the visual arts,
the Mughal style of architecture continued, albeit on a smaller scale compared
to the grandeur of Shah Jahan’s projects like the Taj Mahal.
Calligraphy
As a devoted Muslim, Aurangzeb had a keen interest in Islamic studies.
Consequently, he promoted calligraphy, especially Quran copying. Religious
manuscripts and books proliferated under his reign, many of them with exquisite
calligraphy and illumination.
Cloths
Production of textiles continued to be a significant industry under Aurangzeb's
rule. Indian brocade, silk, and cotton were in great demand on both home and
foreign markets. During Aurangzeb's reign, the textile trade flourished,
particularly with European countries.
Relations
with Neighboring Powers: Aurangzeb's stance towards his neighbors was multifaceted,
encompassing both military and diplomatic measures.
Ties with the Uzbek people
Throughout Central Asia, Aurangzeb kept friendly relations with the Uzbeks, the
ruling group. Both powers wanted to retain their authority over the region
without open conflict, therefore their relationship was mostly built on trade
and respect for one another.
Relations with the Safavid Dynasty
Relations with the Safavid Dynasty in Persia were more tense. Although both
empires shared a common Islamic heritage, differences in sectarian belief
(Sunni vs. Shia) often created friction. Aurangzeb's policies towards the Shia
population of his empire, including the Safavids, were cautious but not overly
aggressive.
Relations
with the French
Aurangzeb’s interactions with the French were limited but significant. The
French had established trading posts in India, and their presence in the Mughal
Empire grew during Aurangzeb’s reign. He granted them trading privileges, but
he remained wary of European interference in Indian politics.
Relations with the Ethiopian Empire
Aurangzeb’s empire had limited interaction with the Ethiopian Empire,
primarily through trade in the Indian Ocean. The two empires exchanged goods,
particularly textiles and spices, and maintained cordial relations.
Relations
with the Tibetans, Uyghurs, and Dzungars
Aurangzeb's empire bordered Central Asia, and he maintained strategic ties
with the Uyghurs and Dzungars, as well as with Tibet. His interactions with
these regions were primarily trade-related, although he was mindful of the
potential military threat they posed to his northern frontier.
Relations with the
Czardom of Russia
Aurangzeb had limited but notable contact with Russia under the Czardom. The
expansion of Russian influence in Central Asia was a cause for concern, but
Aurangzeb avoided direct conflict. Trade and diplomacy characterized their
relationship, and the Mughal Empire remained cautious of Russian ambitions in
Asia.
Rebellions
Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by numerous rebellions, both from regional
powers and internal factions.
Jat Rebellion
The Jat rebellion in the north of India was a significant challenge during
Aurangzeb’s reign. The Jats, an agrarian community, rose against Mughal
oppression and high taxation.