Aurangzeb 1658–1707

Introduction: Meet the Last "Great Mughal"

Welcome to your study notes on Aurangzeb! He was the sixth and last of the "Great Mughal" emperors, ruling for a massive 49 years (1658–1707). If the Mughal Empire were a long-running TV show, Aurangzeb’s reign would be the final, intense season where everything changes. Why is he important? Because while he made the empire the biggest it ever was, his strict choices and long wars also started its decline. Let’s dive in!

1. Aurangzeb and Religious Piety

Aurangzeb was very different from his great-grandfather, Akbar. While Akbar was famous for being tolerant of all religions, Aurangzeb was a very orthodox (strict) Muslim. This personal piety (his deep religious devotion) changed how the empire was run.

What did he actually do?

Aurangzeb wanted the Mughal Empire to follow Sharia Law (Islamic law) more closely. Here are the key changes he made:

• Bringing back the Jizya: In 1679, he reintroduced the Jizya. This was a tax that non-Muslims had to pay. Akbar had abolished it 100 years earlier, so bringing it back made many of Aurangzeb’s Hindu subjects very unhappy.
• Moral Policing: He appointed officials called Muhtasibs to make sure people were living "moral" lives. They checked things like drinking alcohol or gambling.
• Simple Living: Unlike his father, Shah Jahan, who loved luxury and gold, Aurangzeb lived a very simple life. He even spent his spare time sewing caps and copying the Quran to earn his own money!

The Impact of his Piety

While Aurangzeb felt he was doing the right thing for his faith, it caused political friction. Think of it like this: If a new headteacher joined a school and suddenly banned music and art because they personally didn't like them, the students would probably rebel. This is what happened in the Mughal Empire. His strictness led to revolts from groups like the Sikhs, the Jats, and the Rajputs (who used to be the Mughals' best allies).

Quick Review: Aurangzeb’s religious piety led to stricter laws and the Jizya tax, which damaged the relationship between the Emperor and his non-Muslim subjects.

2. The Deccan Campaigns (1681–1707)

For the last 26 years of his life, Aurangzeb left Northern India and moved his entire court to the Deccan (Southern India). He was obsessed with conquering the independent kingdoms there and crushing a group of warriors called the Marathas.

The Marathas and Shivaji

The Marathas were a growing power led by a famous leader named Shivaji. They didn't fight "fair" in Aurangzeb's eyes—they used guerrilla warfare. This means instead of meeting the big Mughal army in an open field, they did "hit and run" attacks in the mountains and then disappeared.

The Consequences of the War

Aurangzeb actually succeeded in conquering the Deccan, making the empire the largest it had ever been. However, it was a "hollow victory."
• Financial Ruin: The war was incredibly expensive. Analogy: It’s like buying a massive, expensive house but having no money left to pay the electricity bill or fix the roof.
• Neglect of the North: Because Aurangzeb was in the south for 26 years, the administration in the north started to crumble. Rebels took over, and officials became corrupt.
• Army Fatigue: The Mughal army was exhausted. Many soldiers hadn't seen their homes in decades.

Memory Aid (The "D" of Deccan): Just remember that the Deccan Drained the Dollars (wealth) and Destroyed the Discipline of the empire.

3. The Empire at Aurangzeb’s Death (1707)

Don't worry if this seems complicated; the main thing to remember is that when Aurangzeb died at age 88, the Empire looked strong on a map but was actually very weak inside.

The Condition of the Empire in 1707

• Overextension: The empire was too big to manage. Communications were slow, and there weren't enough loyal officials to rule every corner.
• The Empty Treasury: The constant wars in the Deccan had used up all the gold that previous emperors (like Shah Jahan) had saved.
• Succession Crisis: Just like when Aurangzeb took power, his sons immediately started fighting over the throne. This "War of Succession" weakened the empire even further.
• Rising Enemies: Groups like the Marathas and the Sikhs were now strong, organized, and determined to be independent.

Did You Know?

Aurangzeb was so aware of the trouble he was leaving behind that his final letters to his sons were full of sadness. He realized that the empire he worked so hard to expand was likely to fall apart after he was gone.

Key Takeaway: By 1707, the Mughal Empire reached its maximum size, but it was bankrupt, politically divided, and surrounded by enemies.

Quick Summary for Revision

1. Religious Policy: Aurangzeb was strict and orthodox. He brought back the Jizya tax, which caused resentment among non-Muslims.
2. Deccan Campaigns: He spent 26 years fighting in the south. He won the land but lost the empire's wealth and stability.
3. Marathas: They used guerrilla warfare to frustrate the Mughals, proving that a smaller, faster army could beat a giant one.
4. 1707: When he died, the "Great Mughal" era effectively ended. The empire was huge but ready to collapse.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don't say Aurangzeb was "bad" or "evil." Historians try to be objective. Instead, use words like controversial or complex. Explain that his actions had negative consequences for the empire's stability.
• Don't forget the dates. Remember he died in 1707. This is a "turning point" date in Indian history.
• Don't confuse him with Akbar. They are opposites! Akbar = Tolerant/Integration; Aurangzeb = Orthodox/Strictness.