The death of Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, marked the twilight of one of the most influential dynasties in Indian history. Ruling from July 31, 1658, until his passing on March 3, 1707, Aurangzeb's reign of over four decades was characterized by both expansion and controversial policies.
Known for his zealous enforcement of Islamic law, Aurangzeb has often been depicted as the most austere and cruel ruler of the Mughal period, especially when compared to his predecessors like Akbar, who is celebrated for his more liberal and inclusive policies. Aurangzeb’s ascension was marked by tragedy and familial betrayal; he imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, and orchestrated the execution of his brother, Dara Shikoh, to secure his throne.
At the end of his lengthy and tumultuous rule, Aurangzeb found himself isolated and fraught with regrets. Contemporary historians suggest the last moments of his life were filled with reflection and sorrow, echoing the heavy burden of his actions. Reports indicate Aurangzeb was deeply troubled, declaring, “Allah has granted me breaths, but not one of them has I spent rightfully. How will I show my face to Him?” This poignant reflection symbolizes the weight of his conscience as he faced his mortality.
Despite being at the peak of power, the final days of Aurangzeb were marked by despair. He expressed his grave concerns to his son, Azam Shah, stating, “After my death, my people will be treated poorly. What I did to others will happen to my own people.” Such statements reveal his inner turmoil and the recognition of the consequences of his reign, which had been marked by rigid governance and religious intolerance, including the re-imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims—a tax his grandfather, Akbar, had abolished.
The political environment during Aurangzeb's demise was also notable. At the time of his death, the Maratha Empire was on the rise under the leadership of Tarabai Bhonsle, and his heavy-handed policies had sparked tensions across his empire. Even as he criticized his past, he maintained fidelity to the faith, lamenting, “I have failed as a king. My precious life was of no use.” These sentiments portray him not only as a ruler regretting missed opportunities and failures but as a man wrestling with the ramifications of devoutly held beliefs.
On the morning of his death, Aurangzeb participated in prayers, seeking solace as he faced his end. He conversed with his sons, attempting to impart wisdom as he neared the end of his life. Following the conversations with his son Azam Shah, who leaned close to capture his last words, Aurangzeb drifted off, failing to awaken fully as the reality of his mortality set around him.
Surrounded by attendants and family, Aurangzeb’s condition grew severe, and as the final moments approached, one last prayer was uttered. His eyes closed, and he breathed his last; the curtain fell on his controversial reign. His life had begun with ambition and resolve but ended with regret and melancholy.
Following his death, the empire he governed began to unravel, and his legacy became heavily intertwined with tales of tyranny and piety. Aurangzeb was buried in Aurangabad, Maharashtra—a resting place chosen reportedly to reflect his desire to be away from the grandeur he once presided over, preferring simplicity even after his death.
Overall, Aurangzeb’s passing marks not only the end of his reign but also serves as a reflection of the broader decline of the Mughal Empire, as subsequent rulers struggled to maintain the legacy of their forbears amid growing challenges both internally and externally.
This duality encapsulates the historical narrative surrounding Aurangzeb—a ruler both feared and respected, whose life and death resonate through the annals of Indian history, leaving us to ponder the lessons of power, faith, and human frailty.