Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb was the greatest king among the Mughals and ruled over the
largest territory of any ruler in Indian history. His empire extended
from Kabul in present Afghanistan to areas in South India bordering
Madurai
in present Tamil Nadu State. He was a kind-hearted man and led a simple
life. He was a just ruler and forgave his enemies. He abolished all
non-Islamic practices at his court; abolished Ilahi calendar introduced
by Akbar and reinstated Islamic lunar calendar. He enforced laws against
gambling and drinking. He abolished taxes on commodities and inland
transport duties. He forbade the practice of Emperor being weighed in
gold and silver on
birthdays.
Aurangzeb did not draw salary from state treasury but earned his own
living by selling caps he sewed and selling copies of the Quran he
copied by hand.
Birth and Education
Mohyuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb was born on October 24, 1618 CE at Dohad in
the Bombay Presidency. He was the third son of Shah Jahan and
Mumtaz Mahal.
Aurangzeb was nine years old when his father became Emperor of India.
From that time on, his regular education began. He got good education in
religion as well as the ordinary
education of
that time. He memorized the whole Quran and was taught to write in a
beautiful handwriting. He also developed a taste for poetry and could
make verses. He also learned the Arabic
language.
Military Training
His military
training began by
age 16. When Aurangzeb was seventeen, he was made the Viceroy of Deccan.
Aurangzeb worked well as the Viceroy of Deccan. This didn't still bring
peace to his mind. He wanted a purpose of life. After some thought, he
turned to the Quran as a light for his life.
Life as a Faqir
In May 1644 CE, he gave up his duties as the Viceroy of Deccan and left
to live in the wild region of Western Ghats. Here he lived for several
months as a Faqir (poor, simple man). He took up a life of prayer and
self-disciplined life.
Anger of his Father
This action of Aurangzeb brought great anger to his father, the Emperor.
He was so shocked that his son became a Faqir that he stopped all his
allowances and took his estates. This didn't bother Aurangzeb at first.
After some thought though, Aurangzeb decided to go back to his family.
For some months, Aurangzeb lived in
Agra with disgrace. His mother and sisters felt sorry for him but the Emperors displeasure was hard to go.
Regaining his Rank
In November 1644 CE, his sister, Jahan Ara, who was the eldest and
best-loved daughter of the Emperor, got a terrible burn and when she
recovered, the Emperor, who was so happy, could not refuse her anything.
At her request, Aurangzeb was raised back to his rank. The prince was
again the Viceroy of Deccan.