Aurangzeb's reign from 1658 to 1707 marked a significant turning point in Mughal history, characterized by territorial expansion, strict religious policies, and internal rebellions that ultimately led to the empire's decline.
In the previous video, we explored the capable successors of Akbar, namely Jahangir and Shah Jahan. We observed how they maintained Akbar's legacy, which included not only the expansion of the empire but also advancements in society and culture. Shah Jahan's reign saw Mughal architecture reach its peak. In 1658, after several years of succession wars, Aurangzeb ascended to the throne. Today, we will delve into his reign and the significant changes that occurred during this period.
Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years, from 1658 to 1707. His reign is crucial as it marked the beginning of the disintegration of the Mughal Empire. His strict religious policies and intolerance are often cited as factors that destroyed the legacy of his predecessors. We will also discuss his religious policies in detail.
Aurangzeb was a devout Muslim who led a simple life and adhered to strict discipline. He did not spare himself or his subordinates from government tasks. Historians are divided on his religious policies; some argue that he reversed Akbar's policy of religious tolerance, leading to various uprisings that weakened the empire. Others believe that Aurangzeb has been misrepresented and that the disloyalty of nobles was a result of his predecessors' poor policies.
Recent research has assessed Aurangzeb's political and religious policies from the perspective of social, economic, and institutional developments. It is clear that he was an orthodox ruler with little interest in philosophical debates or mysticism. Despite his orthodox character, he did not shy away from issuing secular regulations, known as "Jawabat," which were primarily based on Sharia but modified to suit Indian conditions.
At the beginning of his reign, Aurangzeb discontinued the practice of inscribing the Kalma (an Islamic oath) on coins, as it was considered a superstitious practice. He appointed officials to ensure that all citizens lived according to Sharia. For instance, he banned the consumption of intoxicants in public places. However, officials were not allowed to interfere in the personal lives of citizens.
In 1669, Aurangzeb implemented several strict moral measures, including banning singing in court and dismissing official musicians. However, instrumental music and royal bands were not banned. Aurangzeb himself was known to play the veena, making the claim of a complete ban somewhat exaggerated.
Aurangzeb made his position clear regarding temples and places of worship. He issued a decree stating that long-standing temples would not be demolished, but no new temples could be constructed. While he allowed the repair of existing worship places, he had previously destroyed several temples during his governorship in Gujarat, including the famous Somnath temple.
Initially, there was no large-scale destruction of temples, but as Aurangzeb faced opposition from groups like the Marathas and Jats, he changed his stance. He began to view temples as centers for spreading subversive ideas and ordered the destruction of temples in places like Varanasi and Mathura.
Despite his strict policies, Aurangzeb exempted a significant portion of Muslim traders from import duties. However, when misuse of this exemption became apparent, he reimposed taxes on Muslim traders, although these were still lower than those on other religions.
Following the succession wars, many local zamindars and rulers began to withhold revenue and plunder Mughal territories. Upon ascending the throne, Aurangzeb established a strong rule, focusing on consolidating power rather than outright conquest. He sent armies to enforce obedience without annexing territories.
The Jats in the Agra-Delhi region were among the first to revolt against Aurangzeb. He personally marched to quell the rebellion and executed their leader, Gokla. Other significant uprisings included the Satnami revolt in 1672 and the second Jat uprising in 1685, both of which Aurangzeb successfully suppressed.
In 1675, Aurangzeb executed the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, which led to the militarization of the Sikh community under Guru Gobind Singh, who established the Khalsa in 1699.
Aurangzeb's policies towards the Rajputs differed from those of his predecessors. After the death of loyal Rajput rulers, discontent among Rajputs led to disturbances. To maintain law and order, Aurangzeb sent a strong army to Marwar, treating it as a hostile territory. This approach weakened the Mughal-Rajput alliance established by Jahangir.
In the Deccan, Aurangzeb focused on countering the rise of the Marathas, led by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. He defeated the kingdoms of Bijapur and Golconda, annexing their territories. However, executing Shivaji's son, Sambhaji, in 1689 proved to be a blunder, strengthening the Maratha opposition.
Despite the turmoil, Aurangzeb contributed to art and architecture. He commissioned the construction of the Motim Masjid in Delhi in 1659, located within the Red Fort, and the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore.
In conclusion, Aurangzeb's reign from 1658 to 1707 was marked by significant territorial expansion and the implementation of strict religious policies that contrasted sharply with those of his predecessors. These policies led to widespread discontent and rebellions, ultimately contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire. By the time of his death in 1707, Aurangzeb left behind an empire that, while vast in territory, was riddled with internal strife and challenges that would lead to its eventual downfall. The story of Aurangzeb's successors and the decline of the empire will be explored in the next video.
