Aurangzeb, the sixth and last of the Great Mughal emperors, ruled over the Indian subcontinent for nearly five decades from 1658 to 1707. His reign, marked by military conquests and religious orthodoxy, left an indelible mark on Indian history. However, his final years were fraught with internal strife, rebellion, and personal sorrow, culminating in his demise.
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Aurangzeb Death
Aurangzeb passed away on March 3, 1707, at the age of 88. Aurangzeb death marked the end of an era and signaled the decline of the Mughal Empire, which had reached its territorial zenith under his rule but had become internally fragile due to prolonged wars and administrative overreach.
Reason for Aurangzeb Death
Aurangzeb death was primarily due to natural causes, compounded by the strain of prolonged warfare and old age. He suffered from declining health in his later years, exacerbated by the immense burden of governance and ceaseless military campaigns. There are historical records suggesting he may have suffered from a chronic illness, possibly related to digestive issues or respiratory complications. His last years were spent in anxiety over the future of the empire, which was embroiled in Maratha uprisings and regional revolts.
Place and Circumstances of Aurangzeb Death
Aurangzeb breathed his last in Bhingar, near Ahmednagar (presently officially known as Ahilyanagar), in present-day Maharashtra. He had shifted to the Deccan in his final years to quell the persistent resistance posed by the Marathas. The continuous military engagements in the region took a heavy toll on his health, and he eventually succumbed to his ailments.
As per historical records, in his last days, Aurangzeb was physically weak and bedridden. He spent his final moments in Ahmednagar, where he dictated letters to his sons and advisers, expressing deep concerns about the future of his empire. His last recorded words indicate a man who had become disillusioned with the vast empire he had built but now feared its collapse.
After Aurangzeb death, his body was temporarily kept in Ahmednagar before being transported for burial. His son, Muhammad Azam Shah, who was in the Deccan at the time, took charge of the funeral proceedings.
Aurangzeb’s Burial and Tomb
Unlike the grand mausoleums of his predecessors, Aurangzeb’s tomb is remarkably simple and modest. He was laid to rest in Khadki (later known as Aurangabad and now officially known as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar), Maharashtra, in the complex of the Dargah of Sheikh Zainuddin Shirazi, a revered Sufi saint of the Chishti order. His tomb, following his own instructions, was built with minimal expenses, reflecting his personal belief in asceticism and simplicity.
His funeral was conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions. As per his wishes, he was buried in an unembellished grave, covered only with a simple white cloth. His grave remains open to the sky, signifying humility, in stark contrast to the elaborate tombs of Mughal emperors like Humayun, Akbar, and Shah Jahan.
The Tomb of Aurangzeb was later enclosed by a marble railing, a contribution made by the British colonial administrator Lord Curzon in the early 20th century to preserve its sanctity.
Also read about Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and death of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj on whose name Aurangabad was renamed as Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar.
Legacy and Historical Impact
Aurangzeb death led to a fierce succession battle among his sons, weakening the empire. His policies, particularly his relentless military campaigns and religious conservatism, had already sown the seeds of Mughal decline. Following his demise, the empire rapidly disintegrated, paving the way for regional powers like the Marathas, Sikhs, and later the British to rise.
Despite his controversial legacy, Aurangzeb remains one of the most discussed figures in Indian history. His austere burial site stands as a reminder of his contrasting personality—a ruler who expanded the empire to its greatest extent yet chose to be buried with utmost simplicity.
Conclusion
Like his life, Aurangzeb death encapsulate the complexities of Mughal rule in India. His death in 1707 at Bhingar, near Ahmednagar, and his modest tomb in Aurangabad reflect the contradictions of his reign—an emperor of immense power who ultimately chose a life of simplicity in death. His passing marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire’s decline, shaping the course of Indian history in the years to come.
Checkout:
The Life and Death of Sambhaji by Medha Deshmukh Bhaskaran published by Penguin in 2021
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