Aurangzeb

8. Aurangzeb (1658–1707 CE)

Definition & Introduction

Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal Emperor, was the longest-reigning ruler in the dynasty’s history. His reign saw the greatest territorial expansion of the Mughal Empire but also marked the beginning of its decline due to continuous warfare, administrative strain, and religious orthodoxy.

Early Life

Born: 1618 CE in Dahod, Gujarat.
Son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Trained in military strategy, Islamic law, and governance.
Known for personal discipline, austere lifestyle, and deep religious beliefs.

Accession to the Throne

War of Succession (1657–1658 CE) among Shah Jahan’s sons: Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb.
Defeated Dara Shikoh at the Battle of Samugarh (1658 CE).
Imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort and declared himself emperor.

Territorial Expansion

Extended Mughal control to its largest extent, covering most of the Indian subcontinent.
Annexed Bijapur (1686 CE) and Golconda (1687 CE) in the Deccan.
Continued campaigns against the Marathas led by Shivaji and later Sambhaji.
Conquered Assam after Ahom conflicts (though Mughals could not hold it permanently).

Religious & Cultural Policy

More orthodox than predecessors; reversed Akbar’s policy of broad religious tolerance.
Reimposed Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679 CE.
Ordered destruction of some temples; built mosques such as the Badshahi Mosque (Lahore) and Bibi Ka Maqbara (Aurangabad).
Patronised Islamic scholars and commissioned compilation of Fatawa-i-Alamgiri — a code of Islamic law.

Administration

Continued the Mansabdari system but introduced stricter discipline.
Controlled expenditure by reducing royal pomp.
Strengthened revenue collection but burdened peasantry due to constant wars.
Stationed governors in Bengal, Bihar, and Deccan to ensure imperial authority.

Relations with Regional Powers

Marathas: Long struggle, beginning with Shivaji’s resistance; Maratha guerrilla tactics drained Mughal resources.
Rajputs: Relations strained due to religious policies; Mewar and Marwar rebelled.
Sikhs: Executed Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 CE, increasing Sikh hostility.
Bengal & Bihar: Frequent zamindar revolts; Bihar remained a strategic route to Bengal and northeast.

Bihar Relevance

Bihar was part of Bengal Subah but required constant military presence due to zamindar uprisings.
Important supply base for Mughal campaigns in Assam and Bengal.
Patna served as a trade hub for saltpetre, which was crucial for Mughal military gunpowder production.

Decline in Later Years

Long Deccan campaigns drained treasury and manpower.
Difficulty in governing vast territories.
Rising power of regional forces: Marathas, Sikhs, Jats.
Death in 1707 CE at Ahmednagar, marking the start of rapid Mughal decline.

Current Affairs (till Aug 2025)

Ongoing historical research into Aurangzeb’s administration in eastern India.
Bihar museums featuring exhibits on Mughal-era trade and saltpetre production.

PYQs (BPSC)

📝 PYQ (BPSC 2018): Which Mughal emperor reimposed the Jizya tax? → Aurangzeb
📝 PYQ (BPSC 2016): Who compiled the Fatawa-i-Alamgiri? → Aurangzeb

Expected MCQs

📝 Which Mughal ruler fought the longest against the Marathas? → Aurangzeb
📝 Which fort was captured from Golconda by Aurangzeb? → Golconda Fort
📝 Which Mughal emperor’s reign marked the empire’s greatest territorial extent? → Aurangzeb

Quick Revision Points

Reign: 1658–1707 CE.
Largest territorial expansion.
Orthodox Islamic policies; Jizya reimposed.
Long Deccan wars weakened empire.
Bihar key in trade and military supply.

One-Page Rapid Revision Summary

Aurangzeb’s nearly 50-year reign expanded the Mughal Empire to its largest size but strained its resources through constant warfare, especially in the Deccan. His orthodox religious policies reversed earlier tolerance, causing alienation among Rajputs, Marathas, and Sikhs. Bihar played a strategic role as a supply and trade hub during his rule. His death in 1707 CE triggered succession disputes and the beginning of Mughal decline.