Aurangzeb

Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor (ruled 1658–1707), known for expanding the empire to its largest size and for policies that created strong political and social tensions.

• How he became emperor: He took the throne during a fierce struggle within the royal family, showing how Mughal power could depend on military strength and court politics, not just inheritance.
• “Alamgir” and expansion: He adopted the title Alamgir (“conqueror of the world”) and pushed Mughal control deep into the Deccan, aiming to bring powerful regional kingdoms under imperial rule.
• Cost of long wars: Constant campaigning—especially in the Deccan—meant huge spending on soldiers, supplies, and forts. Even a rich empire can weaken when war costs rise faster than revenue.
• Religious policy and governance: Aurangzeb’s rule is often discussed because he linked state power more closely with orthodox Sunni Islam. This affected laws, taxes, and what was allowed at court, shaping how different communities experienced Mughal authority.
• Rebellions and resistance: His reign saw major challenges from groups like the Marathas, Sikhs, and others. These were not only religious conflicts—many were also about regional autonomy, control of land revenue, and local power.
• Why he matters in Mughal history: Aurangzeb’s reign shows a key pattern in history—an empire can reach its greatest size yet become harder to manage, and the strain of governing a vast, diverse territory can speed up decline after a strong ruler dies.