Awrangzīb (ʿĀlamgīr I)

Mughal Emperor

Abū’l-Muẓaffar Muḥammad Muḥyi al-Dīn Awrangzīb ʿĀlamgīr was born in 1027/1618. He was the third son of Mughal Emperor Šāh Jahān. Awrangzīb received a very good education during his youth. As a result, he was both able to hold his own in disputations with the ʿulamāʾ (people of religious learning) and compose respectable Persian prose. However, it was his skill as a military commander that gained him an early reputation. After Šāh Jahān fell ill in 1067/1657, Awrangzīb’s military prowess allowed him to outmaneuver his four brothers and ascend the throne. Awrangzīb ruled the Mughal Empire from 1069/1658 until his death in 1118/1707.

Much of Awrangzīb’s long rule was characterized by a series of wars. While many wars were of his own seeking, others were prompted by opponents attempting to challenge his rule and wrest control of the empire from Awrangzīb. Such wars were of great financial strain to Awrangzīb’s administration. Additionally, it is said that his rule was beset with elements of corruption and inefficiency. Thus, some have concluded that Awrangzīb’s rule led to the eventual failure of the Mughal Empire.