AURANGZEB
1. Context
They have called me Aurangzeb,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Wednesday (March 20 2024), taking a swipe at the Opposition
2.Aurangzeb’s early years in Gujarat
- Aurangzeb was born in Dohad (or Dahod), located in present-day Gujarat, on November 3, 1618. He was the sixth child of Prince Khurram (who had not yet become Emperor Shah Jahan) and the third son, following Darah Shukoh and Shah Shuja.
- During this period, Khurram had been appointed as the governor of the Gujarat province by his father, Emperor Jahangir, in 1618.
- Consequently, Aurangzeb spent his early years in Gujarat until his father's unsuccessful rebellion against the Emperor in 1622.
- Some historians suggest that following Khurram's failed rebellion, his sons Dara and Aurangzeb were sent to Jahangir as "hostages."
- Historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar wrote in "A Short History of Aurangzib" (1930), "He [Khurram] had to submit to his father his young sons, Dara and Aurangzib, as hostages. These two reached Jahangir’s Court at Lahore in June 1626." However, other historians argue that Khurram and Aurangzeb reconciled by 1625.
- Regardless, Aurangzeb spent approximately four to eight years of his early life in Gujarat
3. Gujarat in the Mughal Empire
- In 1573, Gujarat came under Mughal rule following Emperor Akbar's victory over the Gujarat Sultanate led by Muzaffar Shah III.
- Thereafter, the province was administered by Mughal-appointed viceroys and officials, becoming one of the empire's key regions.
- A significant event occurred in 1612 when Emperor Jahangir (who reigned from 1605 to 1627) granted permission to the British East India Company to establish trading posts, known as factories, in the port city of Surat.
- Subsequently, the East India Company expanded its presence in the province.
- However, during the reign of Aurangzeb (1657-1708), Gujarat faced notable instability, marked by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's raids on Mughal strongholds in the province, including the port of Surat.
- Despite these challenges, Mughal authority persisted until approximately 1759 when Surat was captured by the East India Company
4.Administration
Aurangzeb, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, implemented several administrative reforms during his reign, often characterized by centralization and strict governance.
Here are some key aspects of Aurangzeb's administration:
- Aurangzeb aimed to expand the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent. He conducted numerous military campaigns to conquer territories in the Deccan, South India, and beyond. However, these military campaigns stretched the empire's resources and contributed to financial strain.
- Aurangzeb sought to centralize power within the empire, concentrating authority in the hands of the emperor. He maintained a firm grip on administrative affairs and exercised direct control over various provinces, appointing governors loyal to the central authority
- Aurangzeb continued the revenue system established by his predecessors, which relied heavily on the collection of land revenue.
- However, he implemented more stringent measures to increase revenue collection, often at the expense of the peasantry. This led to discontent among the agrarian population and contributed to social unrest
- Aurangzeb's reign is also notable for his religious policies, particularly his attempts to promote orthodox Sunni Islam and enforce Islamic law (Sharia). He imposed restrictions on religious practices deemed unorthodox and persecuted non-Muslim communities, including Hindus, Sikhs, and others. These policies fueled religious tensions and contributed to social discord
- Despite the empire's military engagements, Aurangzeb also undertook various infrastructure projects and public works initiatives. These included the construction of roads, bridges, forts, and mosques, as well as the development of water supply systems and gardens
- Aurangzeb reorganized the Mughal military, expanding the army and enhancing its efficiency. He employed a combination of regular troops (including cavalry, infantry, and artillery) and local levies to maintain control over the vast empire
- Aurangzeb maintained a large court and bureaucratic apparatus to administer the empire. The court was a center of patronage and political intrigue, with nobles vying for favor and influence. The bureaucracy was organized hierarchically, with various administrative departments overseeing different aspects of governance
5. Economy
During Aurangzeb's reign, the Mughal Empire experienced both periods of economic prosperity and significant challenges.
Here are some key aspects of the economy during Aurangzeb's rule:
- Agriculture continued to be the backbone of the Mughal economy during Aurangzeb's reign. Land revenue was the primary source of state income, and the Mughal administration implemented various policies to increase agricultural productivity and revenue collection. However, excessive taxation and land grants to nobles often burdened the peasantry and led to economic hardships
- The Mughal Empire was a major center of trade and commerce, with thriving commercial cities and trade routes connecting India with other regions of Asia, Europe, and beyond. Aurangzeb continued to promote trade and commerce, particularly in ports like Surat and Calcutta. However, his religious policies, including the imposition of jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) and restrictions on Hindu merchants, had a negative impact on trade relations and contributed to economic decline in some regions
- The Mughal Empire was renowned for its skilled artisans and craftsmen, producing fine textiles, ceramics, metalwork, and other goods. Aurangzeb's reign witnessed continued growth in manufacturing and crafts, supported by royal patronage and demand from both domestic and international markets
- Aurangzeb faced significant financial challenges during his reign, partly due to the cost of military campaigns and administrative expenses. To finance his ambitious expansionist policies, Aurangzeb often resorted to heavy taxation, debasement of currency, and the imposition of new levies. These measures led to economic strain and social unrest, particularly among the peasantry and urban merchants
- Inflation was a recurring problem during Aurangzeb's reign, exacerbated by the debasement of currency and rising demand for goods.
- In response, Aurangzeb implemented price controls and regulations on essential commodities to stabilize prices and alleviate economic hardships.
- However, these measures often had unintended consequences, including black market activity and shortages of goods
6. Way Forward
Overall, Aurangzeb's administration was marked by ambitious expansionist policies, centralization of power, religious orthodoxy, and a focus on revenue collection and military organization. While his reign witnessed significant territorial expansion, it also faced challenges such as financial strain, social unrest, and religious conflict
Source: Indianexpress
