Deep Dive
Why is Aurangzeb considered the last truly powerful ruler of the Mughal Empire?
Aurangzeb is considered the last truly powerful ruler of the Mughal Empire because his reign saw the maximum territorial expansion of the empire, but it also laid the seeds for its decline due to his religious policies and the continuous wars that drained the empire's resources.
Why did Aurangzeb's religious policies contribute to the Mughal Empire's decline?
Aurangzeb's religious policies, which included the persecution of non-Muslims and the reimposition of the jizya tax on Hindus, exacerbated internal tensions and alienated significant portions of the population, leading to widespread unrest and rebellion.
What was the population of the Mughal Empire at the time of Aurangzeb's death in 1707?
At the time of Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Mughal Empire had a population of 200 million, which was twice that of all of Europe at the time.
How did Aurangzeb ascend to the Mughal throne?
Aurangzeb ascended to the Mughal throne by defeating his brothers in a power struggle. He had them killed and later placed his father, Shah Jahan, under house arrest in 1658, where Shah Jahan remained until his death in 1666.
What was the impact of Aurangzeb's personal piety on his rule?
Aurangzeb's personal piety, marked by his strict adherence to Sunni Islam, influenced his policies and governance. He banned the sale of alcohol and tobacco, and his religious policies were often strict, leading to widespread discontent among non-Muslim subjects.
Why is Aurangzeb's reign considered a turning point in Mughal history?
Aurangzeb's reign is considered a turning point in Mughal history because it marked the peak of the empire's territorial expansion, but also the beginning of its decline due to internal conflicts, religious persecution, and resource depletion from continuous warfare.