Aurangzeb: Life and Reign

Questions and Answers

1658 to 1707

His father Shah Jahan

Bijapur and Golconda

The rupee Signup and view all the answers

The Badshahi Mosque Signup and view all the answers

The jizya tax Signup and view all the answers

Mumtaz Mahal Signup and view all the answers

Most of the Indian subcontinent Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aurangzeb (1618-1707) was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, ruling from 1658 to 1707
Born as Abu'l Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, he was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Succeeded his father Shah Jahan after a bitter struggle for power with his brothers, Dara Shikoh and Murad Baksh

Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire, conquering the Deccan Plateau and the southern states of Bijapur and Golconda
He fought numerous wars, including the Mughal-Maratha Wars, the Mughal-Sikh Wars, and the Mughal-Ahmad Shah Abdali Wars
His military campaigns extended the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, covering most of the Indian subcontinent

Aurangzeb introduced several administrative and economic reforms, including the establishment of a new currency, the rupee
He implemented a strict system of governance, with a strong emphasis on Islamic law and the promotion of Muslim culture
He encouraged trade and commerce, leading to economic growth and stability during his reign

Aurangzeb built several notable monuments, including the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, and the Alamgiri Gate in Lahore
He patronized scholars and artists, particularly in the fields of literature, music, and painting
However, he also imposed restrictions on non-Muslims, including the destruction of Hindu temples and the imposition of the jizya tax

Aurangzeb's reign is marked by both military successes and religious controversies
He is often criticized for his intolerant policies towards non-Muslims, particularly Hindus and Sikhs
Despite his controversial legacy, Aurangzeb is also remembered as a skilled military commander and a shrewd administrator who expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent.

Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal Emperor of India, ruling from 1658 to 1707
He was born as Abu'l Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Aurangzeb succeeded his father Shah Jahan after a bitter struggle for power with his brothers Dara Shikoh and Murad Baksh

Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal Empire, conquering the Deccan Plateau and the southern states of Bijapur and Golconda
He fought numerous wars, including the Mughal-Maratha Wars, the Mughal-Sikh Wars, and the Mughal-Ahmad Shah Abdali Wars
His military campaigns extended the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, covering most of the Indian subcontinent

Aurangzeb introduced a new currency, the rupee
He implemented a strict system of governance, emphasizing Islamic law and promoting Muslim culture
He encouraged trade and commerce, leading to economic growth and stability during his reign

Aurangzeb built the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, the Bibi Ka Maqbara in Aurangabad, and the Alamgiri Gate in Lahore
He patronized scholars and artists, particularly in literature, music, and painting
However, he also imposed restrictions on non-Muslims, destroying Hindu temples and imposing the jizya tax

Aurangzeb's reign is marked by military successes and religious controversies
He is criticized for his intolerant policies towards non-Muslims, particularly Hindus and Sikhs
Despite controversy, Aurangzeb is remembered as a skilled military commander and shrewd administrator who expanded the Mughal Empire