Decline of the Mughal Empire: Aurangzeb's Reign

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Questions and Answers

What strategy did Aurangzeb employ to gain power after his father's illness?

He allied with his brothers to fight Dara. (correct)

He relied on powerful armies and military victories.

He launched a surprise attack against Dara.

He used diplomatic negotiations to secure support.

Which Mughal Emperor favored Dara as his successor?

Shah Jahan (correct)

Shah Shuja

Murad

Aurangzeb

What was the outcome of the battle at Samugarh?

The battle ended in a stalemate.

Dara's army surrendered, believing he had been killed. (correct)

Dara defeated Aurangzeb and secured his position.

Both Aurangzeb and Dara were severely injured.

Where did Dara flee after his defeat by Aurangzeb?

Punjab Signup and view all the answers

What eventually happened to Dara after he fled to Afghanistan?

He was betrayed and captured. Signup and view all the answers

How did Shah Jahan react after recovering from his illness?

He supported Aurangzeb's rule. Signup and view all the answers

Which groups did Aurangzeb primarily fight against during his reign?

Rajputs and Marathas Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Aurangzeb is considered a controversial figure?

His military expansion at the cost of stability Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant factor in Aurangzeb's rise to power?

Victory in the battle against Dara Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Aurangzeb's main ambitions as a ruler?

To expand the Mughal Empire into the Deccan Signup and view all the answers

How did Shah Jahan's illness impact Aurangzeb's quest for power?

It initiated a war among his brothers. Signup and view all the answers

What ultimately led to Dara's defeat in his struggle against Aurangzeb?

The loss of his war elephant Signup and view all the answers

What happened to Dara after he fled to Punjab?

He was betrayed and captured Signup and view all the answers

What did Shah Jahan do after recovering from his illness?

He surrendered to Aurangzeb. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes Aurangzeb's reputation among historians?

A complex and often disputed figure Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of Aurangzeb's military campaigns?

Expansion of the Mughal Empire at the expense of stability Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aurangzeb: The Last Great Mughal Emperor

Reigned from 1618 to 1707, known for ambitious expansion of the Mughal Empire.
Engaged in protracted conflicts against Hindu chieftains, Rajputs, and Marathas.
Sought to emulate the Tughlaqs by extending empire into the Deccan region.
Remains a controversial historical figure, with ongoing debates about his legacy and impact on the empire's decline.

Rise to Power

Power struggle initiated in 1657 when Emperor Shah Jahan fell ill, leading to a contest among his four sons.
Sons governed large provinces and commanded considerable military forces, driving their ambition to succeed Shah Jahan.
No established rule of primogeniture among Mughals allowed for power contests among brothers.
Shah Jahan favored son Dara Shikoh, while Shah Shuja in Bengal declared himself emperor and Aurangzeb initially supported Murad, the youngest son.
Dara’s forces faced Aurangzeb’s at the Battle of Samugarh on May 28, 1658, where Dara's defeat was aided by the loss of his war elephant, causing his soldiers to flee.

Aftermath of Power Struggle

Following the battle, Dara fled to Punjab but was denied asylum by the Punjabis due to fear of Aurangzeb's retribution.
Dara's attempted escape to Afghanistan ended in betrayal by a former friend, leading to his eventual capture.
Aurangzeb ordered the execution of Dara and his son, effectively eliminating his main rival for the throne.
Shah Jahan, unexpectedly recovering from his illness, found it too late to reclaim his authority as Aurangzeb had already consolidated power.

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Description

This quiz explores the impact of Emperor Aurangzeb on the Mughal Empire's decline. Examine the successes and failures of his reign, and assess his responsibility for the empire's weakening. Answer key questions about his military pursuits and policies.