AURANGZEB/ ALAMGIR I

WHO WAS AURANGZEB?

Muhi al-Din Muhammad, the sixth Mughal emperor, is known as Aurangzeb - honour to the throne, or by his regnal name Alamgir I - Conquerer of the world. He is often remembered as one of the most controversial figures in Indian/ Mughal history. Born in 1618 as the son of Emperor Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb ruled for 48 years and 7 months (1658 - 1707). His reign marked the height of Mughal territorial expansion but also the beginning of the empire’s decline. For Punjab, Aurangzeb’s era was one of heightened oppression, resistance, and profound transformation, shaping the region’s future.

EARLY LIFE: A COMPETITIVE ASCENT TO POWER

Aurangzeb’s path to the throne was marred by family conflict and bloodshed. As the third son of Shah Jahan, he competed fiercely with his brothers for succession. After a brutal war of succession, Aurangzeb imprisoned his father and executed his brothers to secure his rule. His ascent was not just a personal victory but a foreshadowing of his uncompromising approach to governance.

An EMPEROR WITH AN IRON GRIP

Aurangzeb’s reign is often characterised by his strict adherence to Islamic orthodoxy. Unlike his predecessors, he reimposed the jizya - a tax on non-Muslims and enforced Islamic laws more rigorously. While this won him the support of conservative factions, it alienated many of his subjects, particularly in the diverse region of Punjab.

For Muslims in Punjab:

Support for Orthodox Practices:
Aurangzeb’s strict adherence to Islamic orthodoxy often meant greater enforcement of Sharia law. This appealed to extremely conservative communities. Those who aligned with the Mughal administration, benefited from his policies.

Note: Aurangzeb’s rigid policies did not benefit many Muslim communities, especially in Punjab, where different religious groups had coexisted for years. Instead, his rule had the opposite effect - alienating Muslims from other communities and even restricting many Islamic traditions.

Taxation and Military Service:
While Muslims were exempt from the jizya tax, they were still subject to other forms of taxation. Muslim farmers in Punjab - like their non-Muslim counterparts, faced heavy agrarian taxes. Many Muslim soldiers and administrators in Punjab found opportunities within Aurangzeb’s military campaigns, but these often came with the risk of being caught up in prolonged wars or local rebellions.

Strains from Warfare:
Continuous military campaigns and the suppression of uprisings in Punjab drained resources, affecting Muslims economically. The disruption of trade and agriculture due to conflicts caused hardship across all communities, including Muslims.

For other religions in Punjab

Reimposition of Jizya:
Aurangzeb reinstated the jizya, which created economic burdens for Hindus, Sikhs, and other communities. This policy, coupled with stricter enforcement of Islamic laws, alienated non-Muslims and heightened resentment.

Persecution of Sikhs:
Punjab became a hotspot of resistance under Aurangzeb’s rule, particularly from the Sikh community. His execution of Guru Tegh Bahadur in 1675 for opposing forced conversions and oppressive policies deeply antagonised Sikhs. This act spurred the militarisation of the Sikh community under Guru Gobind Singh, culminating in the formation of the Khalsa - a Sikh warrior community in 1699.

Cultural and Religious Suppression:
Aurangzeb’s policies included restrictions on non-Muslim practices and festivals. Temples were occasionally destroyed or repurposed, which further alienated communities in Punjab. These actions fostered an atmosphere of fear and resistance among non-Muslims.

Economic Hardships:
Other religious communities also faced heavy taxation. However, the additional burden of the jizya and discriminatory policies often meant they bore a greater economic strain. Farmers and traders, whether Hindu, Sikh, or Muslim, struggled under the oppressive tax system.

MILITARY EXPANSION: PUNJAB AS A STRATEGIC REGION

Aurangzeb’s military campaigns extended Mughal control across much of the Indian subcontinent, but Punjab remained a critical frontier. The region’s strategic location and fertile land made it essential to the empire’s economy and security. However, his policies towards Punjab’s diverse communities often led to resentment.

THE IMPACT ON SIKHISM AND PUNJAB’S RESISTANCE

Under Aurangzeb’s rule, the Sikh community faced severe persecution. Guru Tegh Bahadur - the ninth Sikh Guru, was executed in Delhi for opposing Aurangzeb’s religious policies, an act that deeply fuelled Sikh resistance. This martyrdom marked a turning point for the Sikhs, leading to the militarisation of the community under Guru Gobind Singh.

Aurangzeb’s relentless campaigns to suppress Sikh and other local uprisings intensified unrest in Punjab. The rise of the Khalsa - a Sikh warrior community, was both a response to Mughal oppression and an indication of the empire’s weakening grip on the region.

LEGACY IN PUNJAB: A DIVIDED HISTORY

Aurangzeb’s legacy in Punjab is complex and divisive. On one hand, his reign brought significant architectural contributions, such as the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore. On the other hand, his oppressive policies sowed deep seeds of resistance. Punjab became a centre of rebellion, with local communities increasingly asserting their autonomy against Mughal rule.

Aurangzeb’s focus on expanding the empire came at the cost of sustainable governance. His oppressive measures, particularly in Punjab, alienated many and eroded the foundations of Mughal control. By the time of his death in 1707, the seeds of the Mughal Empire’s decline were firmly planted.

THE COMPLEX LEGACY OF AURANGZEB

Aurangzeb’s reign is a study in contrasts. While he expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent, his policies also accelerated its disintegration. For Punjab, his rule was a period of turmoil and transformation. The resistance movements that emerged during his time would eventually reshape the region’s political and social landscape, leading to the rise of Sikh sovereignty.

In conclusion, Aurangzeb’s impact on Punjab was profound and lasting. His reign serves as a reminder of the costs of oppressive governance and the resilience of communities in the face of adversity. While his achievements as a ruler cannot be denied, neither can the enduring scars his policies left on Punjab and its people.

A depiction of Aurangzeb’s orthodox rule over Punjab. The emperor, adorned in jewels and intricately detailed garments, symbolises the empire’s dominance. In contrast, the barren fields of Punjab and the crumbling Golden Temple and Badshahi Mosque reflect the religious intolerance of his policies.

To Aurangzeb’s determined legacy, and to Punjab’s unwavering strength in the face of challenge.
With sincerity – TrishSaab.