Aurangzeb

Definition

Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor, ruling from 1658 to 1707, known for his military expansion and strict adherence to Islamic law. His reign marked a significant shift in the Mughal Empire's approach to governance, emphasizing religious orthodoxy and expansionism, which ultimately influenced India's political landscape and its international connections during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, conquering regions like the Deccan Plateau.
2. He implemented policies that reversed the more tolerant religious practices of his predecessors, leading to increased tensions between Hindus and Muslims.
3. Under Aurangzeb, several Hindu temples were destroyed, which alienated a significant portion of the Indian population.
4. He was known for his frugal lifestyle and dedication to Islamic principles, living a much simpler life than previous emperors who indulged in luxury.
5. Aurangzeb's reign saw the rise of regional powers like the Marathas, which eventually contributed to the decline of Mughal authority in India.

Review Questions

• What were some key policies implemented by Aurangzeb that reflected his commitment to Islamic law?
  • Aurangzeb's commitment to Islamic law was evident through several policies he enacted during his reign. He enforced Sharia law more strictly than his predecessors, limiting practices that did not align with Islamic principles. This included prohibiting music and dance in court and imposing higher taxes on non-Muslims through the jizya tax. These policies aimed to reinforce Islamic values but also led to widespread discontent among non-Muslim communities.
• How did Aurangzeb's approach to religious tolerance impact the social fabric of India during his reign?
  • Aurangzeb's lack of religious tolerance had a profound effect on India's social fabric. By implementing policies that favored Islam over other religions, he alienated many Hindus and other religious groups. This created a climate of distrust and resentment that fueled social divisions, leading to increased tensions and conflicts. The destruction of Hindu temples and restrictions on Hindu practices underlined this growing divide, setting the stage for resistance movements and uprisings against Mughal rule.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of Aurangzeb's reign on the Mughal Empire's international connections and subsequent decline.
  • Aurangzeb's reign had significant long-term effects on the Mughal Empire's international connections and its eventual decline. His expansionist policies initially strengthened the empire but also stretched its resources thin. The heightened religious intolerance created fractures within Indian society, leading to the rise of regional powers like the Marathas who challenged Mughal dominance. As internal strife grew, external powers such as the British began to take advantage of the weakened state of the empire, paving the way for colonialism in India. This transformation dramatically altered India's geopolitical landscape and diminished Mughal influence in international affairs.

Related terms

Mughal Empire: A prominent empire in India that ruled from the early 16th to the 19th century, known for its cultural achievements and centralized administrative structure.

Sharia Law: The Islamic legal framework derived from the Quran and Hadith, which Aurangzeb enforced during his reign as part of his religious policies.

Religious Intolerance: A policy or attitude that promotes hostility towards different religions; Aurangzeb's reign is often criticized for its increased religious intolerance compared to previous Mughal emperors.