Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled India from 1658 to 1707. His full title, Al-Sultan al-Azam wal Khaqan al-Mukarram Hazrat Abul Muzaffar Muhy-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Bahadur Alamgir I, Badshah Ghazi, reflects his grandeur. Born on November 3, 1618, in Dahod, Gujarat, he expanded the Mughal Empire to its zenith but stirred controversies with policies like Jizya. This guide explores his life, empire, death, and Khuldabad tomb, offering insights for 2025 history enthusiasts.
Aurangzeb’s History
Born to Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, Aurangzeb was educated under scholars like Maulana Abdul Latif Sultanpuri and Mulla Mohan Bihari. He memorized the Quran at a young age, a rare feat among Timurid rulers. Appointed governor of Deccan (1636) and Gujarat (1645), he honed his administrative skills. In 1657, Shah Jahan’s illness sparked a succession war. Aurangzeb defeated his brother Dara Shikoh, imprisoned Shah Jahan, and ascended the throne in 1658.
His policies, including Jizya tax and temple destruction, fueled debates. He executed Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur (1675) and Maratha leader Sambhaji (1689), sparking rebellions. Yet, his piety and simple lifestyle—earning income by sewing caps—set him apart, per Wikipedia.
Mughal Empire
Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire spanned 3.2 million square kilometers, from Kashmir to Jinji and Hindu Kush to Chittagong. His Deccan campaigns annexed Golconda and Bijapur, but 27 years of war against Marathas weakened the empire. Trade flourished, earning India the title “Golden Sparrow.” However, Jizya and religious orthodoxy incited Jat, Sikh, and Rajput revolts, straining resources, per Britannica.
Despite ruling a vast empire, Aurangzeb lived modestly, avoiding luxuries. His military prowess was unmatched, but prolonged wars drained the treasury, setting the stage for Mughal decline.
Death and Tomb
Aurangzeb was not killed; he died of illness on March 3, 1707, in Ahmednagar at age 88, not in 1760 in Burhanpur. To prevent succession disputes, he publicly confirmed his survival days before dying. Per his will, he was buried in a simple grave in Khuldabad, Aurangabad, within Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi’s dargah. He funded his tomb with 14 rupees and 12 annas earned from sewing caps and copying the Quran, refusing state funds. In 1911, Lord Curzon added a marble screen to the tomb, per Tomb of Aurangzeb.
Conclusion
Aurangzeb Alamgir was a powerful yet polarizing ruler. His empire enriched India, but religious policies sparked unrest. His simple Khuldabad tomb reflects his piety. In 2025, his story offers lessons in leadership and legacy.
औरंगजेब आलमगीर: इतिहास और महत्व (Hindi)
औरंगजेब आलमगीर (1618–1707), छठे मुगल बादशाह, ने साम्राज्य को चरम पर पहुंचाया, लेकिन जजिया ने विवाद खड़े किए। 1707 में अहमदनगर में उनकी मृत्यु हुई, और खुल्दाबाद में सादी कब्र में दफन हुए।
اورنگزیب عالمگیر: تاریخ اور اہمیت (Urdu)
اورنگزیب عالمگیر (1618–1707)، چھٹے مغل بادشاہ، نے سلطنت کو عروج دیا لیکن جزیہ سے تنازعات پیدا ہوئے۔ 1707 میں احمدنگر میں ان کا انتقال ہوا، اور خُلدآباد میں سادہ قبر میں دفن ہوئے۔
أورنگزيب عالمگير: التاريخ والأهمية (Arabic)
أورنگزيب عالمگير (1618–1707)، الإمبراطور المغولي السادس، وسّع الإمبراطورية لأوجها لكنه أثار جدلاً بالجزية. توفي عام 1707 في أحمدنگر ودُفن في قبر بسيط بخُلدآباد.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who killed Aurangzeb?
Aurangzeb was not killed; he died of illness on March 3, 1707, in Ahmednagar.
2. Where is Aurangzeb’s tomb?
His tomb is in Khuldabad, Aurangabad, Maharashtra, within Sheikh Zainuddin’s dargah, symbolizing simplicity.
3. When and how long did Aurangzeb rule?
He ruled from 1658 to 1707 (~49 years), expanding the Mughal Empire to its peak.
4. What was Aurangzeb’s will?
He requested a simple grave in Khuldabad, funded by his earnings from sewing caps and copying the Quran.
5. Why is Aurangzeb controversial?
Jizya tax, temple destruction, and executions of Guru Tegh Bahadur and Sambhaji fueled rebellions and debates.