Aurangzeb: Sixth Emperor of Mughal India

Introduction

Aurangzeb (محيي الدين محمد أورنجزيب عالمكير, Aurangzeb Alamgir) was the sixth emperor of the Mughal Empire, ruling from 1658 to 1707. His reign marks the height of Mughal power and wealth, albeit accompanied by significant political, social, and religious challenges. His policies of military expansion and strict Islamic orthodoxy largely defined his rule and left a lasting impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Etymology

The name “Aurangzeb” is derived from Persian origins:

Aurang (اورنگ): Meaning “throne.”
Zeb (زیب): Meaning “adornment” or “jewel.”

Thus, “Aurangzeb” can be understood as “Adornment of the Throne.”

Early Life and Ascension to the Throne

Aurangzeb was born on November 3, 1618, as Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad to Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. He played a significant role in his father’s court and military conquests before rising to power through a series of successful campaigns and strategic manipulations that ousted his rivals, including his brother Dara Shukoh.

Policies and Governance

Aurangzeb’s reign is often characterized by two principal approaches: military expansion and religious orthodoxy.

Military Expansion

Aurangzeb pursued aggressive military campaigns aimed at expanding Mughal territories. His conquests extended to the Deccan plateau and southern regions of India. This relentless military ambition, however, led to substantial expenditure and stretched the empire’s resources thin.

Islamic Orthodoxy

Aurangzeb is renowned for his strict interpretation and implementation of Islamic principles in governance. He imposed Sharia law more rigidly, reintroduced the jizya (a tax levied on non-Muslims), and ordered the demolition of several Hindu temples. This marked a departure from his predecessors’ relatively more inclusive and tolerant policies, causing alienation among non-Muslim communities.

Legacy and Impact

Aurangzeb’s legacy is multifaceted, reflecting both his efficacious military strategies and the divisive nature of his religious policies.

Factionalism and Sectarianism: His orthodox stance exacerbated sectarian divisions within Indian society, which would later cause internal strife and weaken cohesive governance.
Cultural Stagnation: His focus on orthodoxy led to a decline in the patronage of arts and culture, contrasting sharply with the flourishing artistic heritage under his predecessors.
Decentralization: Continuous warfare and his distant management style resulted in weaker central control, promoting regional autonomy that eventually contributed to the fragmentation of the Mughal Empire.
European Encroachment: The weakening of Mughal cohesiveness under his reign made the empire vulnerable to European colonizing forces that began to establish a foothold in the subcontinent.

Takeaways

Aurangzeb’s reign represents a significant period in the history of the Indian subcontinent marked by successful territorial expansion but contentious and divisive religious policies.
His strict implementation of Islamic orthodoxy and aggressive military campaigns had long-term ramifications on the socio-political fabric of the region.
The legacy of Aurangzeb’s policies contributed to the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire and paved the way for European intervention in India.

Conclusion

The reign of Aurangzeb, while notable for the expansion of the Mughal Empire at its zenith, also laid the foundations for its eventual decline. His policies of exclusion and stringent orthodoxy have made him a figure of significant historical debate, illustrating the complexities of governance in a diverse and multi-religious empire.

Aurangzeb: Sixth Emperor of Mughal India