Decline of the Mughal Empire: Aurangzeb's Role

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Questions and Answers

What was one of Aurangzeb's primary ambitions as emperor?

To establish a democratic government

To convert all Hindus to Islam

To promote trade with European nations

To expand the boundaries of the Mughal Empire into the Deccan (correct)

What notable action did Aurangzeb take in 1658?

Opened trade relations with the British

Signed a treaty with the Marathas

Deposed his father, Shah Jahan (correct)

Established peace with Persian rulers

How did Aurangzeb's policies towards non-Muslims affect his rule?

They created significant controversy and debate (correct)

They led to the immediate dissolution of the empire

They completely alienated his Muslim supporters

They were widely accepted and praised by all subjects

Which of the following was a significant external threat to the Mughal Empire during Aurangzeb's reign?

Persian invasion by Nadir Shah Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes Aurangzeb's personal demeanor as a ruler?

Industrious and self-disciplined Signup and view all the answers

What resulted from the Battle of Panipat in 1761?

Destruction of the Maratha army by Afghan forces Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Aurangzeb's methods for maintaining rule over his empire?

Instilling fear among his enemies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes Aurangzeb's attitude towards his enemies?

He dealt ruthlessly with anyone who opposed him Signup and view all the answers

What was the main ambition of Aurangzeb as a ruler?

To expand his authority over all of India Signup and view all the answers

Why was the jizya tax controversial when reintroduced by Aurangzeb?

It was disliked as a differential tax on non-Muslims Signup and view all the answers

What significant construction project did Shah Jahan undertake in Delhi?

The Jama Masjid mosque Signup and view all the answers

What was a direct consequence of Aurangzeb's heavy taxation policies?

Civil service deterioration and corruption Signup and view all the answers

Which city served as Aurangzeb's base for directing his armies?

Aurangabad Signup and view all the answers

What approach did Aurangzeb take to achieve his military goals?

He believed in using any necessary means Signup and view all the answers

What was the impact of Aurangzeb's frequent absences from his capital?

Weakened grip on government Signup and view all the answers

What was the initial purpose of the jizya tax during the earliest Islamic period?

To protect non-Muslims from invasions Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Aurangzeb and the Decline of the Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb (1618-1707) aimed to expand the Mughal Empire, emulating the Tughlaqs, but it led to increased instability and conflict.
He deposed his father, Shah Jahan, in 1658 to claim the throne, marking the beginning of his reign.
By the 1680s, the Marathas emerged as significant challengers to Mughal authority, threatening the empire's control.
Aurangzeb's death in 1707 left the Mughal Empire weakened, with Maratha territory extending close to Delhi and southern Deccan.
Key invasions weakened the empire further: Nadir Shah of Persia invaded in 1738-39, followed by a series of Afghan invasions led by Ahmad Shah Abdali starting in 1747.
The Maratha army was decimated by Abdali at the Battle of Panipat in 1761.

Aurangzeb's Character

Born on November 3, 1618, in Dahod, he was the youngest son of Shah Jahan and was known for his industrious and self-disciplined nature.
A devout Muslim, Aurangzeb was ambitious in power but indifferent to wealth and comfort, often dressing simply.
He was determined and ruthless toward enemies but could also be merciful, as noted by his supporter Khafi Khan regarding his use of punishment.

Rulership and Religious Policies

Aurangzeb ruled strictly according to Islamic law, implementing controversial policies towards non-Muslims that sparked debate.
He aimed to enforce moral behavior as per Islamic teachings and reintroduced the Islamic calendar.
The Fatawa-al-Alamgiriya was produced under his council, providing a framework for Islamic law.

The jizya Tax

The jizya tax, a differential tax on non-Muslims, was reinstated by Aurangzeb in 1679 after being abolished by Akbar.
This tax faced backlash as it was perceived as a religious imposition and a means to fund Aurangzeb's military ambitions, despite earlier tax reductions.

Impact on the Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb expanded the empire extensively but employed costly military campaigns that strained resources.
His heavy taxation for military funding resulted in widespread hardship, contributing to public discontent.
Frequent absences from the capital weakened his control over the empire, leading to corruption within the civil service and difficulty in governance.
Ultimately, despite territorial expansion, the challenges he created destabilized the Mughal Empire in the long term.

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Description

Explore the pivotal era of Aurangzeb's reign in the Mughal Empire. This quiz delves into his expansionist policies, conflicts with Hindu chieftains, and the empire's decline during his rule. Assess Aurangzeb's legacy and the factors contributing to the end of Mughal dominance.