Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal Emperor. Born in 1618, he ruled until 1707, and during his reign the Mughal Empire expanded to its greatest territorial extent. He is widely remembered for his strict Islamic policies, firm administrative control, and prolonged military campaigns. His reign represents both the height of Mughal expansion and the beginning of its decline due to constant warfare, high taxation, and increasing internal resistance.

Aurangzeb remains one of the most debated Mughal rulers—an exceptional military strategist and a devout Islamic ruler who extended Mughal authority deep into southern India. However, his orthodox religious decisions, continuous wars, and financial pressure weakened the empire and deepened internal divisions.

Who Was Aurangzeb?

Aurangzeb Alamgir (3 November 1618 – 3 March 1707) was the sixth Mughal Emperor and is often regarded as the last powerful ruler of medieval India. He greatly expanded the Mughal Empire but faced frequent uprisings due to his religious views and unending military campaigns.

Aurangzeb Biography

Aurangzeb was the son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Growing up in the royal court, he learned languages, statecraft, Islamic law, and warfare. Despite being the third son, he stood out due to his strict lifestyle, military capability, and sharp intellect.

He participated in several early military campaigns and was known for his disciplined nature. His conservative worldview distinguished him from earlier emperors who followed more tolerant policies.

Aurangzeb Mughal Emperor

Aurangzeb ascended the throne in 1658 after defeating Dara Shikoh. His reign marked the Mughal Empire’s territorial peak but also initiated its decline. He spent years in the Deccan fighting the Marathas, southern sultanates, and Rajputs. 

While these campaigns expanded Mughal borders, they drained resources and overstretched administration.

Aurangzeb Family Tree

Aurangzeb was one of Shah Jahan’s children, alongside Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Murad, and Arjumand Banu Begum. After Shah Jahan fell ill, a war of succession began. Aurangzeb defeated his brothers, most notably Dara Shikoh, and captured the throne.

His son Azam Shah succeeded him briefly but failed to restore the empire’s strength, leading to rapid fragmentation.

Aurangzeb’s Religious Policies

Aurangzeb was known for his strict Islamic principles, in contrast to Akbar’s tolerant approach.

Key Religious Actions

Below are the religious acts which is passed by him or can be said to have been done by him:

• Reintroduced jizya tax on non-Muslims, i.e, Jizya was a tax that was collected from non-Muslims in some Islamic kingdoms. It was paid in exchange for protection and exemption from military duties.
• Ordered the demolition of some Hindu temples, including Kashi Vishwanath
• Enforced Sharia law strictly
• Limited several non-Islamic practices

These decisions pleased orthodox Muslims but alienated Hindus, Sikhs, and other communities.

Campaigns of Conquest and Territorial Expansion

Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire reached its widest boundaries. He conquered key Deccan Sultanates and expanded control across South India and Rajasthan.

However, these campaigns by Aurganzeb were extremely expensive and exhausting. The Mughal–Maratha conflict became one of the longest wars of his reign and weakened imperial strength.

Major Battles Fought by Aurangzeb

Below, we have provided the names of Major Battles fought by Aurangzeb. Basically, these are some of the huge battles that somehow helped him set up his name:

• Battle of Samugarh (1658): Defeated Dara Shikoh
• Battle of Deorai (1665): Conflict with Marathas under Shivaji
• Siege of Golkonda (1687): Ended the Qutb Shahi dynasty
• Battle of Bijapur (1686): Conquered the Bijapur Sultanate
• Battle of Khajwa (1675): Defeated the Rajputs of Mewar
• Panipat Battle (1679): Fought major Rajput forces

These victories expanded territory but strained finances and manpower for everyone, and due to this, most of the people were disappointed by him as a leader and his rule.

Aurangzeb’s Administration

Aurangzeb preferred strict governance over cultural patronage. He strengthened central control, built a powerful army, and enforced firm legal regulations.

Many court historians and foreign travelers have documented his rule extensively because he, with his sharp-minded strategy, has done a lot that changed the history of India.

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Aurangzeb’s Legacy

Aurangzeb’s legacy is marked by discipline, military strength, and administrative rigor—but also by intolerance, financial strain, and continuous warfare. He believed that everything should be under his control, and for that, he could do anything.

Consequences of His Rule

• Constant rebellions
• Severe financial pressure on almost everyone, and especially on weaker people
• Weak successors
• Administrative overload
• Fragmentation of the empire, i.e., the empire divided into many parts, as most of the people are not satisfied with his administrative role and the strategies he followed.

These problems accelerated the Mughal decline after his death, as no strong ruler like him followed.

Aurangzeb’s Death

Aurangzeb struggled with unending wars, rising taxes, and administrative challenges in his final years. Ideally, He spent his last days in the Deccan and died on 3 March 1707 in Ahmednagar. After his death, the empire fell rapidly due to the absence of strong leadership.

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