Aurangzeb, the Ornament of the Throne | 1618CE - 1659CE | Al Muqaddimah

Summary

The video script narrates the life and reign of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, the last of the Great Mughals, who played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian subcontinent from the 1650s to the 1700s. Born in 1618, Aurangzeb distinguished himself through military and diplomatic prowess, eventually ascending to the throne after a series of power struggles with his siblings. His reign marked significant territorial expansions, including the conquests of Golconda and Bijapur, and a strict adherence to Islamic law, which contrasted with his predecessors' policies. The script also highlights Aurangzeb's personal life, including a scandalous love affair and his eventual ascension to power, shaping the region's history for half a century.

Takeaways

• 👑 Aurangzeb Alamgir was the last of the Great Mughals and one of the most significant rulers in the Islamic world.
• 🎭 Aurangzeb's story is a blend of grand historical scale and personal human experiences, including both achievements and failures.
• 👶 Born in 1618, Aurangzeb was the third son of Prince Khurram, later known as Emperor Shah Jahan, and had to navigate the complex succession rules of the Mughals.
• 🦄 Aurangzeb distinguished himself in bravery and military skill, notably when he charged an elephant during a game observed by his father and brothers.
• 🗺️ As a governor, Aurangzeb expanded and consolidated Mughal territories, notably in the Deccan region and Gujarat, demonstrating his administrative and military prowess.
• 🔥 Aurangzeb's relationship with his family, particularly his siblings and father, was marked by rivalry and tension, which eventually led to conflict.
• 🛡️ Aurangzeb's military campaigns included successful conquests and strategic retreats, such as his annexation of Golconda and Bijapur, and his failed attempts to reclaim Kandahar.
• 💔 His romantic involvement with a Hindu slave girl, Hira Bai Zainabadi, revealed a more personal and vulnerable side to his character.
• 🏰 The struggle for succession following Shah Jahan's illness led to a war among the brothers, culminating in Aurangzeb's eventual rise to power.
• ⚔️ Aurangzeb's victory in the war of succession was aided by his military experience, political alliances, and the support of key generals.
• 👑 Aurangzeb's ascension to the throne involved the imprisonment of his father and the defeat and execution of his brothers, solidifying his rule as Emperor Alamgir.

Q & A

Who was Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir and why is he significant?

Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir was the last of the Great Mughals and one of the most important kings of the Islamic World. His reign from the 1650s to the 1700s had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent, shaping identities, political ideas, and even a religion.

What was Aurangzeb's relationship with his father, Emperor Shah Jahan, like?

Aurangzeb was the third son of Emperor Shah Jahan and stood out among his brothers due to his remarkable abilities in military and diplomacy. Despite being his father's reliable general, Aurangzeb eventually found himself in conflict with Shah Jahan over the succession to the throne.

How did Aurangzeb demonstrate his bravery and skill during a game involving two fighting elephants?

When an elephant charged at the royals during a game, Aurangzeb galloped towards it and injured it by shoving a spear into its brow, showcasing his bravery and skill in a manner reminiscent of a knight from European tales.

What was Aurangzeb's role in the Deccan region of South India?

Aurangzeb served as the governor of the Deccan region from 1636 to 1645. He was successful in consolidating and expanding Mughal control over the region, significantly increasing its territory and revenue.

How did Aurangzeb's relationship with his siblings, particularly his brother Dara Shikoh, evolve over time?

Aurangzeb's relationship with his siblings, especially Dara Shikoh, was marked by rivalry and hostility. Dara was the emperor's favorite, which Aurangzeb resented. This rivalry eventually led to a power struggle for the throne after their father's illness.

What was the significance of Aurangzeb's military campaigns in Central Asia and the Deccan?

Aurangzeb's military campaigns in Central Asia and the Deccan were significant as they showcased his abilities as a commander and his determination to expand the Mughal Empire. His victories, such as the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda, greatly expanded the empire's territory and influence.

How did Aurangzeb's personal life, including his relationship with Hira Bai Zainabadi, affect his reign?

Aurangzeb's personal life, particularly his scandalous relationship with the Hindu slave girl Hira Bai Zainabadi, caused a scandal and strained his relationship with his father, Shah Jahan. However, after her death, Aurangzeb returned to his royal duties with renewed focus.

What was the turning point that led to Aurangzeb's ascension to the throne?

The turning point for Aurangzeb's ascension was Shah Jahan's illness in 1657, which set off a power struggle among the princes. Aurangzeb's military successes and political maneuvers eventually led to his victory over his brothers and his coronation as emperor in 1659.

How did Aurangzeb deal with his brothers after becoming emperor?

After becoming emperor, Aurangzeb dealt with his brothers decisively. He imprisoned his father, Shah Jahan, and executed his brother Dara Shikoh. He also managed to defeat and drive away his other brothers, Murad and Shuja, securing his rule.

What was Aurangzeb's title upon his coronation as emperor?

Upon his coronation on May 13th, 1659, Aurangzeb took the title of Alamgir, which means 'Conqueror of the World', reflecting his ambitions and achievements as a ruler.

What was the significance of Aurangzeb's reign for the Indian Subcontinent?

Aurangzeb's reign was significant for the Indian Subcontinent as he shaped the region's political landscape, religious practices, and cultural identities for the next five decades. His policies and military campaigns had a lasting impact on the region's history.

Outlines

00:00

🤴 The Life and Ascendancy of Aurangzeb Alamgir

This paragraph introduces Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, the last of the Great Mughals and a significant figure in the Islamic world. Born in 1618, Aurangzeb was the third son of Prince Khurram, later known as Emperor Shah Jahan. Despite the traditional preference for the eldest, Aurangzeb distinguished himself through his military and diplomatic skills. A pivotal event in his youth involved him bravely confronting a rampaging elephant, an act that showcased his courage and was immortalized in Mughal chronicles. Aurangzeb's early responsibilities included governing the Deccan region, where he successfully expanded and consolidated Mughal control. His governance was marked by military campaigns and diplomatic efforts, including treaties with the Sultanate of Bijapur and the Qutb Shahi Sultanate of Golconda.

05:01

🏰 Aurangzeb's Family Dynamics and Early Military Campaigns

The second paragraph delves into Aurangzeb's family life and his relationships with his siblings, particularly the rivalry with his brothers Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, and Murad Bakhsh. Jahanara, Aurangzeb's sister, played a crucial role in keeping the family united. Tensions between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh began to surface, especially after Aurangzeb's successful military campaigns, which included a notable victory over the Uzbeks during which he demonstrated his piety by praying during battle. Aurangzeb's military prowess was further highlighted in his attempts to defend Kandahar, although these were unsuccessful due to various challenges. The paragraph also touches on Aurangzeb's personal life, including a scandalous love affair with a Hindu slave girl, Hira Bai Zainabadi, which caused a rift with his father, Emperor Shah Jahan.

10:05

🛡️ Aurangzeb's Conquests and the Struggle for the Throne

The third paragraph focuses on Aurangzeb's expansionist ambitions and the conflicts that arose with his father, Shah Jahan, over foreign policy. Aurangzeb's invasion of Golconda and Bijapur, driven by a desire for territorial expansion and wealth, including the acquisition of the Koh-i Noor diamond, led to significant territorial gains. However, Shah Jahan's illness and the subsequent power struggle among the princes set the stage for a war of succession. Aurangzeb's military campaigns were successful, and he was able to defeat his brothers' forces in the Battle of Dharmat. This set the stage for Aurangzeb's eventual rise to power, as he navigated the complex dynamics of family, politics, and war.

15:06

👑 Aurangzeb's Ascension and the Fall of His Brothers

The final paragraph describes Aurangzeb's ascension to power and the fate of his brothers. After a series of military and political maneuvers, Aurangzeb effectively became the ruler of the Mughal Empire by June 10, 1658, despite not yet being officially crowned. He dealt with his brothers by imprisoning his father, Shah Jahan, and pursuing his brother Dara Shikoh, who had fled Delhi. Aurangzeb's brother Murad was also imprisoned after being lured to a feast. Aurangzeb's other brother, Shuja, was defeated in battle and fled to Burma. Dara Shikoh was eventually captured, humiliated, and executed. Aurangzeb was officially crowned emperor on May 13, 1659, taking the title of Alamgir, the Conqueror of the World, marking the beginning of his reign that would shape the Indian Subcontinent for the next five decades.

Keywords

💡Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir

Aurangzeb Alamgir, also known as Muhi ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb, was the sixth Mughal Emperor and the last of the Great Mughals. His reign from the 1650s to the 1700s had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent, shaping political, religious, and cultural identities. The video script highlights his military prowess, administrative skills, and the human aspects of his life, such as his relationships with his family and his pursuit of the throne.

💡Turko-Mongol tradition

The Turko-Mongol tradition refers to the cultural and dynastic practices of the Mughal Empire, which were influenced by both Turkic and Mongol customs. In the context of the video, it is mentioned that all sons of the Mughal emperor were considered equal claimants to the throne, regardless of birth order. This tradition played a significant role in the succession struggles among Aurangzeb's siblings.

💡mansab

Mansab is a term from the Mughal administrative system that refers to a rank or position held by a noble or officer in the empire. It was a numerical value that determined the number of soldiers a noble was responsible for maintaining and leading into battle. In the script, Aurangzeb was given the highest mansab of 10,000 by Shah Jahan, indicating his high status and the emperor's trust in him.

💡Deccan

The Deccan is a region in South India that was a significant area of expansion for the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb was appointed as the governor of the Deccan region, where he successfully expanded and consolidated Mughal control. His governance from 1636 to 1645 greatly increased the region's revenue and solidified the empire's foothold in South India.

💡Qutb Shahi Sultanate

The Qutb Shahi Sultanate was a medieval Indian Muslim dynasty that ruled the kingdom of Golconda in the Deccan region. In the script, it is mentioned that the Qutb Shahi Sultanate submitted to the Mughals as a tributary state, highlighting the diplomatic and military strategies employed by the Mughals to extend their influence.

💡Safavids

The Safavids were a significant Iranian dynasty that ruled from the 16th to the 18th century. In the context of the video, the Safavids are mentioned in relation to their conquest of the fort of Kandahar, which was a strategic location in modern-day Afghanistan. Aurangzeb was sent to defend Kandahar, but the fort had already fallen, leading to a retreat.

💡Koh-i Noor

The Koh-i Noor, meaning 'Mountain of Light,' is one of the world's largest and most famous diamonds. In the script, it is mentioned that the diamond was given to Shah Jahan by Mir Jumla, the prime minister of the state of Golconda, as a gift. This gift, along with the prospect of the immense wealth of Golconda, tempted Shah Jahan to agree to Aurangzeb's conquest of the region.

💡Kandahar

Kandahar is a city in modern-day Afghanistan that was a strategic and contested location between the Mughal Empire and the Safavids. The script describes multiple campaigns by the Mughals to regain control of Kandahar, which ultimately proved unsuccessful and costly for the empire.

💡Shahjahanabad

Shahjahanabad, now known as Old Delhi, was the capital city during the reign of Shah Jahan. It was the site of significant events in the script, including the humiliation and execution of Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb's brother, after Aurangzeb's rise to power.

💡Alamgir

Alamgir is a title that means 'Conqueror of the World' in Persian. Aurangzeb adopted this title upon his coronation as emperor on May 13th, 1659. It signifies his ambition and the extent of his military conquests during his reign.

💡Peacock Throne

The Peacock Throne was the throne of the Mughal Empire and a symbol of imperial power. Although not explicitly mentioned in the script, the reference to Aurangzeb 'sitting on the Peacock Throne' implies his ascension to the position of emperor and the beginning of his rule over the Indian Subcontinent.

Highlights

Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir's reign from the 1650s to the 1700s had a profound impact on the Indian subcontinent.

Aurangzeb is considered among the most important kings of the Islamic World, alongside figures like Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Born in 1618, Aurangzeb was the third son of Prince Khurram, later known as Emperor Shah Jahan.

Aurangzeb distinguished himself as a young prince, showing remarkable abilities in military and diplomacy.

Aurangzeb's bravery was demonstrated when he charged an elephant during a game, impressing onlookers and chroniclers.

He was granted a high mansab and sent on campaigns to further his military training.

Aurangzeb governed the Deccan region from 1636 to 1645, successfully expanding Mughal territory and revenue.

Aurangzeb's relationship with his siblings, particularly his brother Dara Shikoh, was marked by rivalry and hostility.

Aurangzeb led a successful campaign against the Uzbeks in Central Asia, showcasing his military prowess.

He was humiliated by his father Shah Jahan after an unsuccessful attack on Kandahar, leading to a strained relationship.

Aurangzeb's love affair with a Hindu slave girl, Hira Bai, and his subsequent abandonment of royal duties caused a scandal.

Aurangzeb's governance in the Deccan was marked by efforts to combat corruption and increase revenue.

He clashed with his father over foreign policy, particularly regarding the expansion at the expense of other Muslim Sultanates.

Aurangzeb's successful invasion of Golconda and Bijapur territories expanded the Mughal Empire significantly.

The illness of Shah Jahan and the ensuing power struggle among the princes set the stage for a pivotal moment in Indian history.

Aurangzeb's victory over his brothers at the Battle of Dharmat and subsequent imprisonment of his father marked the beginning of his reign.

Aurangzeb's rise to power involved the defeat and execution of his brothers, solidifying his rule as emperor.

Crowned emperor in 1659, Aurangzeb took the title of Alamgir, the Conqueror of the World, beginning his rule over the Indian Subcontinent for the next five decades.

Transcripts

From the 1650s to the 1700s, the fate of almost everyone on the Indian subcontinent was tied

with the story of a single man, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir.

He is, perhaps, the most relevant of the Mughal Emperors.

He was the last of the Great Mughals and he stands among some of the most important kings

of the Islamic World, a club he shares with the likes of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent,

Caliph Abd al-Rahman III of Cordoba, Caliph Abd al-Malik of Damascus and Delhi Sultan

Muhammad ibn Tughlaq.

His remarkable story is grand in its scale, containing within it, the development of many

identities, political ideas and even a religion but it is also a very human story.

He was relatable in some aspects, perhaps not in his achievements but in his failures.

This is

the story of Mughal Shahanshah Aurangzeb Alamgir.

Muhi ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb was born on November 3rd, 1618, during the reign of his

grandfather, Jahangir.

He was the third son of Prince Khurram, who would later be known as Emperor Shah Jahan.

During his father’s rebellion against Jahangir, Aurangzeb was sent as a hostage to make peace

between Shah Jahan and Jahangir.

Shah Jahan became emperor in 1628 when Aurangzeb was around ten.

Even as a young prince, Aurangzeb had stood out among his brothers.

He was Shah Jahan’s third son but in the Turko-Mongol tradition of the Mughals, all

sons were equal claimants to the throne.

Even though the emperor could choose and officially declare an heir, it didn’t mean that heir

would become emperor.

The son who showed the most remarkable ability in military and diplomacy was going to succeed

his father and as it turns out, Aurangzeb was full of remarkable abilities.

In the year 1633, according to primary sources, Shah Jahan was watching a game of two elephants

fighting each other.

Along with him were his sons Dara Shikoh, roughly 18 years of age, and Aurangzeb, roughly

15 years of age.

As they couldn’t get a good view from the safety of the balcony, the three got on their

horses and entered the arena to get a better view.

Suddenly, one of the elephants was startled and ran towards the royals.

While Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh found their bearings, Aurangzeb galloped towards the elephant,

injuring it by shoving a spear into its brow.

Like a knight from those cheesy European tales, Aurangzeb showed remarkable skill and bravery

that day.

The story was forever immortalized by onlookers and soon by chroniclers.

In that same painting, the older Dara Shikoh can be seen watching from a distance.

The next year Shah Jahan gave Aurangzeb the highest mansab of 10,000 and sent him on various

campaigns to train him further.

In 1636, Shah Jahan marched with an army to the Deccan region of South India.

The Mughals had conquered it but their foothold in the region wasn’t strong.

While the rest resisted, the Qutb Shahi Sultanate of Golconda submitted immediately as a tributary.

After a military stalemate, Shah Jahan concluded a treaty with the Sultanate of Bijapur where

they would acknowledge the Mughals as overlords but wouldn’t pay tribute so, basically lip

service.

After this Shah Jahan left and went back to the capital while Prince Aurangzeb was left

behind to govern the entirety of Mughal Deccan.

As governor of the Deccan, Aurangzeb tried to consolidate and expand Mughal hold on the

Deccan.

He was quite successful there.

He expanded the territory and the revenue of the region greatly.

He governed this region from 1636 to 1645.

From 1645 to 1647, he governed the province of Gujarat.

In 1644, Jahanara, Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter, suffered severe burns when her dress

caught fire from a candle.

She was one of Aurangzeb’s thirteen full siblings, all born of Shah Jahan’s beloved

Mumtaz Mahal.

This included Prince Dara Shikoh, Prince Shah Shuja, and Prince Murad Bakhsh; all of them

were potential rivals for Prince Aurangzeb.

Jahanara was the glue that held the family together.

They all loved her and respected her and fortunately, she possessed the calmer mind in the family.

The entire family gathered in Agra to see their beloved sister whose life hung in balance

for a few weeks.

At this point, according to witnesses, Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh started to show hostility

towards each other.

Dara Shikoh was Shah Jahan’s favorite and Aurangzeb didn’t like that.

He was eager to leave Agra because he couldn’t bear to be in the same city as his brother.

While Dara Shikoh was the emperor’s favorite, Aurangzeb was his reliable general whom he

could call on to lead the army.

In 1646, Shah Jahan sent an army to invade Central Asia and conquer Uzbek territories,

which had once belonged to his ancestor Timur.

This army was commanded by Prince Murad Bakhsh who got tired of the tough terrain and abandoned

his army to return to India, against his father’s orders.

Shah Jahan then sent the reliable Aurangzeb to lead the army which, by now, had shrunk,

thanks to the harsh terrain and abandonment by their former commander.

Aurangzeb, nonetheless, managed to fight on and even defeat the Uzbeks.

The popular story goes that while the battle was going on, the time for prayer arrived,

so Aurangzeb got off his horse and started praying calmly, in full view of both armies.

The commander of the Uzbek is said to have announced, “How can we win against such

a man?”

and the Uzbek army broke.

Although, the rough environment limited their successes and Aurangzeb had to conclude a

treaty to return to India.

In 1649, the Safavids attacked and conquered the fort of Kandahar in modern-day Afghanistan.

Aurangzeb was sent to defend it but since it had fallen already, Shah Jahan ordered

a retreat, deeming that the size of the army wasn’t enough for a prolonged siege.

In 1652, Shah Jahan himself arrived in Kabul to oversee the attack on Kandahar which was

led by Aurangzeb.

Although, this attack was unsuccessful owing to the army’s lack of artillery capabilities.

Shah Jahan ordered this force to retreat as well and humiliated Aurangzeb who was installed

as governor of the Deccan once again and moved away from the frontiers.

The next year, Shah Jahan ordered another attack on Kandahar, this time under Dara Shikoh.

Even though he had never led an army, he boasted a lot about his military prowess.

Though, he failed as well.

During the campaign, he seems to have acted very arrogantly but still had been very susceptible

to flattery.

Overall the three campaigns to Kandahar had cost some 120 million rupees, around half

of the yearly expenditure of the Mughal empire.

The relationship between Aurangzeb and Shah Jahan was souring.

Aurangzeb was now determined to isolate his older brother, Dara Shikoh, politically to

ensure he wouldn’t be able to succeed Shah Jahan.

He arranged for a marriage between his son and his brother Shah Shuja’s daughter, thereby

cementing an alliance between the two against Dara Shikoh.

In 1653, on his way to take his governorship of the Deccan, Aurangzeb stopped in Burhanpur

where, in the tradition of his father, his grandfather, and maybe even his great-grandfather,

he fell in love.

It was with a Hindu slave girl of his maternal aunt’s household.

She was called Hira Bai Zainabadi.

Aurangzeb abandoned all his royal duties and spent nine-month with her just chilling.

Apparently, he didn’t have Netflix.

This was incredibly scandalous.

Aurangzeb, being religious and pious, is said to have filled her wine cup with his own hands

and she even tempted him to drink on one occasion.

Weirdly, he almost did it before she grabbed the cup from him saying that she was only

testing him.

Turns out you can be a prince of the world’s richest empire and still be a simp.

All of this reached back to the capital and Shah Jahan was furious.

Dara Shikoh might’ve also aired the fire.

However, the girl died a year later and Aurangzeb, after being depressed for a while, moved on

to his royal duties as the governor of the Deccan.

He later called it, “God’s gift” that she had died because if he had been with her

for long, he might’ve thrown away everything he had.

See?

I told you Aurangzeb was relatable.

Aurangzeb now got to the business of governing.

The Deccan had been under the control of corrupt governors and had lost quite a bit of its

revenue.

Aurangzeb started fixing it along with his talented finance minister Murshid Quli Khan.

Aurangzeb greatly increased the revenue of the Deccan.

However, he kept clashing with his father over foreign policy.

Aurangzeb wanted to expand at the expense of the other Muslim Sultanates there.

Shah Jahan wanted to stick to the treaty of 1636.

In 1656, Aurangzeb finally invaded Golconda.

The pretense was that the state’s prime minister, Mir Jumla had become very powerful

and the sultan there had grown resentful and tried to arrest him.

Mir Jumla defected to the Mughals but his son was arrested by the Golconda Sultan.

Aurangzeb asked his father’s permission to attack Golconda to free Mir Jumla’s son

who was technically a subject of the Mughals now.

Tempted by the immense wealth and jewels that could be obtained during the conquest AND

by Mir Jumla’s gift of the world’s largest diamond, the Koh-i Noor, or the Mountain of

Light, Shah Jahan agreed to the conquest.

Aurangzeb led an army and conquered the south all the way to the Palar river.

Aurangzeb also led an army into Bijapur territory.

The sultan there had died and his eighteen-year-old son was not considered by everyone to be of

legitimate parentage.

Aurangzeb considered the sultan illegitimate and so unfit to rule.

Technically, then, from Aurangzeb’s perspective, all that land had no ruler and was free to

take.

Shah Jahan saw it that way as well, thanks to a little lobbying by Mir Jumla in Delhi.

Aurangzeb expanded further and almost annexed the entirety of Bijapur.

He might have even captured Bijapur’s capital but Shah Jahan told him to back off.

According to Aurangzeb, this was Dara Shikoh’s doing who was jealous of the prestige Aurangzeb

would gain from annexing so much territory.

Aurangzeb had had enough.

The stage was set for a turning point in Indian history.

Within a month of Aurangzeb’s withdrawal from Bijapur, news reached him that Shah Jahan

had fallen ill.

From early childhood, the princes understood that at the death of the father, their brothers,

their childhood playmates would become their enemies and only one would survive the bloody

struggle for the throne.

As an ancient Persian saying goes, “Ya Takht, ya Takhta”, either the throne or the coffin.

With Shah Jahan’s illness and at that point, what seemed like impending death, the princes

picked up their swords for a coming war.

Shah Jahan fell ill in September of 1657 and by December, Shah Shuja and Murad Bakhsh had

crowned themselves Emperor and were raising armies.

Shah Jahan recovered in around a month but by then different parts of the Mughal Empire

were on a collision course.

Aurangzeb had yet to do anything.

Shuja was the first to send an army for the capital from Bengal which he governed.

Dara, from the capital, sent an army to meet this threat.

He also told the Rajputs of Mewar to raise an army to meet Murad who was also raising

an army to attack the Capital from Gujarat which he governed.

In March 1658, Aurangzeb left the Deccan, not as a contender for the throne but as a

caring son wanting to see his sick father.

Dara thought it was an invasion.

I think he might've been confused by the huge army that Aurangzeb was bringing with him.

He joined forces with Murad and marched on the capital.

Shuja and Aurangzeb’s children were married, so he was already allied with him.

The three brothers decided to defeat Dara and then divide the empire between themselves.

The imperial army of 40,000 men clashed with the allied force of the same size at Dharmat

in April 1658.

Aurangzeb and Murad were victorious.

Hearing of this, Shah Jahan wanted to lead an army himself thinking that no one son would

face their father in battle.

Though Dara Shikoh was confident that he could defeat his brothers.

Instead, their beloved sister Jahanara tried to negotiate peace.

She sent a letter to Aurangzeb reminding him that in Islam, the eldest brother has an equal

status to their father.

Though, as is always the case, religion was second to the desire for the throne.

Aurangzeb wrote in return that he merely wanted to see Shah Jahan but Dara Shikoh was the

one causing problems and if he arrived alone in the capital, he feared for his death.

Dara Shikoh led an army to meet the allied forces of Murad and Aurangzeb at Samugarh,

some thirty-five kilometers from Agra.

Dara’s force of 60,000 was almost double that of his brothers but they weren’t battle-hardened

like Aurangzeb’s men who had just wrapped up their annexation of Bijapur and Golconda.

Dara Shikoh was not a skilled commander and many of his generals secretly supported Aurangzeb.

One of the reasons behind this was that Aurangzeb was diplomatic and had a calmer head while

Dara Shikoh was an intellectual and like most intellectuals, he was arrogant.

There was almost no important general at court that he hadn’t insulted in his days.

From telling the ruler of Amber who was the head of the powerful Kacchwaha Rajput clan

that he looked like a musician, an insult for someone of his rank to making fun of Mir

Jumla simply for the way he walked.

Due to all this, Aurangzeb and Murad were victorious.

Dara galloped to Agra where he couldn’t face his father and so fled to Delhi with

a handful of supporters.

Aurangzeb had effectively won.

He arranged for a meeting with his father to discuss the future of the empire but according

to sources, he intercepted a letter from Shah Jahan to Dara Shikoh where Shah Jahan told

him to raise an army.

Seeing this as evidence of Shah Jahan colluding with Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb decided there

was no room for negotiations.

He imprisoned the old emperor in the Agra fort where he lived for the next eight years

of his life, being able to see but never visit the Taj Mahal.

He was served very loyally by his beloved daughter, Jahanara until he died in 1666.

Jahanara herself passed away in 1681.

By June 10, 1658, Aurangzeb was emperor in all but name.

He was conducting himself in such a manner but he did still have three living brothers

who could cause future problems.

Aurangzeb was chasing Dara who had left Delhi.

Murad was following Aurangzeb as well.

Aurangzeb invited him to a feast to celebrate everything that had happened.

Intoxicated Murad had no idea what was coming.

He was put in shackles and sent off to the state prison in Gwalior.

Dara stayed at large for fourteen months.

During this time, Shuja, from Bengal, realized that both Agra and Delhi were unoccupied since

Dara was running and Aurangzeb was following him.

He marched on Agra but Aurangzeb abandoned his pursuit to defeat him in the battle of

Khajwa on January 5th, 1659.

Shuja ran off to Burma.

By August that year, Dara Shikoh was all out of allies and had been abandoned and betrayed

when Aurangzeb got his hands on him.

He was humiliated and paraded through the city of Shahjahanabad.

Francois Bernier, who witnessed the event, mentions the public lamenting and crying over

the fate of the disgraced prince.

Charges were drawn up against him and he was executed on the 30th of August, 1659.

Aurangzeb himself was crowned emperor on May 13th, 1659 at the age of 41.

He took the title of Alamgir, the Conqueror of the World.

This video is already longer than most of my videos and we’ve only just gotten to

the part where Aurangzeb sat on the Peacock Throne.

For the next five decades, Shahanshah Muhi ad-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir wrote the

fate of almost everyone on the Indian Subcontinent.

See you next time.

Don’t forget to subscribe and press the bell icon.

On the screen right now, you can see the names and tiers of the Patrons.

You can join them by pledging a dollar or more to support the channel.

Thank you for watching!