Aurangzeb, who ruled as the Mughal emperor of India from 1658 until 1707, is known for his controversial reign and policies. One of the most significant criticisms of Aurangzeb is the atrocities committed by his armies during his campaigns to expand the Mughal Empire.

Aurangzeb’s military campaigns were characterized by religious persecution, forced conversions, and the destruction of temples and other religious sites. He also imposed harsh taxes on non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, and implemented discriminatory policies that targeted minority communities.

One of the most notable examples of Aurangzeb’s atrocities is the destruction of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, which was one of the most sacred temples for Hindus. Aurangzeb’s army demolished the temple and built a mosque on the site, causing widespread outrage and resentment among Hindus. Similarly, Aurangzeb’s army destroyed thousands of temples and other religious sites across India, leading to widespread religious persecution.

Aurangzeb’s policies also led to widespread rebellion and resistance from Hindu rulers, who saw his actions as a threat to their way of life and religious beliefs. This led to prolonged and costly wars, which weakened the Mughal Empire and ultimately contributed to its decline.

Aurangzeb Policies Toward Non-Muslims (Minority)

One of the key elements of Aurangzeb’s policies towards minorities was his imposition of the jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, which was seen as a form of discrimination. He also imposed strict laws and regulations on non-Muslims, which curtailed their religious freedom and forced many to convert to Islam. This led to a decline in the number of Hindus and other minority communities within the empire and caused immense suffering among these groups.

Aurangzeb’s destruction of temples and other religious sites was also a major aspect of his policies towards minorities. He ordered the destruction of thousands of temples and other religious sites across India, which caused widespread outrage and resentment among Hindus and other minority communities. This led to a decline in the number of temples and other religious sites, which were important centers of culture and learning for these communities.

In addition to religious persecution, Aurangzeb’s policies also led to widespread political repression, economic exploitation, and administrative corruption. He was known for his harsh punishments, including execution and imprisonment, for those who opposed him, and his rule is considered to be one of the most oppressive in Indian history.

Aurangzeb’s policies towards minority communities had a significant impact on the Mughal Empire and contributed to its decline. They led to widespread rebellion and resistance among minority communities, which weakened the empire and ultimately contributed to its decline.

It’s worth noting that Aurangzeb’s policies were not universally supported and there were dissenting voices within the Mughal court. Some argue that his policies were necessary to maintain the stability and unity of the empire, while others argue that his actions were unjust and caused immense suffering.

Martyrdom of the Four Sahibzadas (Veer Bal Divas)

The martyrdom of the Four Sahibzadas refers to the execution of the four sons of the 10th Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, by the Mughal Empire in 1704. The four sons, Ajit Singh, Jujhar Singh, Zorawar Singh, and Fateh Singh, were aged between 9 and 18 years old at the time of their execution.

The execution of the Four Sahibzadas occurred in the context of the ongoing conflict between the Sikh community and the Mughal Empire. Guru Gobind Singh had been actively resisting Mughal rule and had established the Khalsa, a military order of Sikh warriors, to defend the community against Mughal oppression.

In 1704, the Mughal governor of Sirhind, Wazir Khan, ordered the execution of the Four Sahibzadas as a means of punishing Guru Gobind Singh and suppressing the Sikh community. The four sons were arrested, tortured, and ultimately executed by being bricked alive.

The martyrdom of the Four Sahibzadas is considered a significant event in Sikh history and is remembered as a symbol of the sacrifice and devotion of the Sikh community to their faith and Guru. The execution of the four young boys is considered a gruesome act of cruelty, and it galvanized Sikhs to fight against Mughal oppression.

The sacrifice of the Four Sahibzadas is still remembered and celebrated in the Sikh community, and their martyrdom is commemorated on the anniversary of their execution, which is known as Shaheedi Jor Mela. Their memory is still honored and their legacy is considered as a symbol of courage and devotion.

Conclusion – Aurangzeb reign is also known for its religious persecution, forced conversions, and destruction of temples and other religious sites, and political repression, economic exploitation, and administrative corruption. He died in 1707, and his death marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire.