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Aurangzeb’s Death: The Final Days of a Mughal Emperor
The Death of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb: Recently, the film ‘Chhaava’ has drawn attention to the story of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj. This Maratha leader, known for his bravery, was executed by Aurangzeb. The film highlights Sambhaji’s courage and the impact of his death on the Maratha resistance against Mughal rule.
Sambhaji Maharaj suffered greatly before his death. Various accounts describe him as enduring brutal torture, which included being blinded with hot iron rods. After his death, one story claims his body was dismembered and thrown into the Bhima River in Pune, while another states that his remains were fed to dogs. These horrific acts were intended as a warning to the Maratha people, but instead, they united them and strengthened their resolve against Aurangzeb’s empire.
Aurangzeb’s Reign as Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor, ruling from 1658 until his death in 1707. His reign marked the peak of the Mughal Empire, which expanded to cover almost the entire Indian subcontinent.
Aurangzeb ascended to the throne in a violent manner, imprisoning his father and executing his older brother. Historical perspectives often depict him as a tyrant and an expansionist. He implemented strict Sharia laws and ruled with an iron fist. Critics argue that many of his policies disregarded the legacy of his predecessors, who were known for their religious tolerance. For instance, he reintroduced the jizya tax (a tax on non-Muslims), demolished Hindu temples, and executed pivotal figures like Sambhaji Maharaj.
Historians also point out that Aurangzeb’s continuous military campaigns strained the empire’s finances, driving it toward bankruptcy. His methods were seen as detrimental, leading to growing unrest and opposition.
Aurangzeb’s Final Days and Death
Aurangzeb died of natural causes on March 3, 1707. He is buried in a simple tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra. Indologist Stanley Wolpert famously quoted Aurangzeb’s last words to his son, saying, “I came alone and I go as a stranger.” This sentiment reflects the isolation he felt at the end of his life. Other historical accounts suggest his last words were ominous, warning, “after me, chaos.”
After Aurangzeb’s death, the Mughal Empire struggled. Historian Katherine Brown noted that his passing marked the beginning of a decline characterized by weak successors, struggles for power, and noble coups. The empire gradually lost its grip on the vast territories it once controlled.
The Legacy of Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb’s reign and the circumstances surrounding his death remain significant in Indian history. His actions and policies had far-reaching effects on the Mughal Empire and the subcontinent’s political landscape. The pain and suffering caused by his harsh rule galvanized the Marathas, leading to greater resistance movements and a shift in power dynamics in India.
The story of Aurangzeb’s life and death is often discussed in schools and historical texts, raising questions about why his legacy is covered more extensively than that of figures like Sambhaji Maharaj, who fought valiantly against him. Understanding the conflicting legacies of these historical figures helps shed light on the complexities of India’s past.
- Interesting Facts:
- Aurangzeb ruled for nearly 50 years.
- His policies led to significant unrest in the empire.
- Historians debate the impact of his religious policies on the Mughal Empire’s stability.