Aurangzeb’s journey to becoming a king has been nothing short of dramatic.

The sixth Mughal ruler, Aurangzeb proclaimed himself king on July 31, 1658. He is considered the last of the most powerful rulers of the Mughal dynasty.

Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s father, continued the Mughal practice of assigning authority to sons. In 1634, Shah Jahan made Aurangzeb the Subahdar (governor) of the Deccan. During this period the Deccan was relatively peaceful. However, in the Mughal court, Shah Jahan began to favour his eldest son Dara Shikoh.

Ups and down

In 1644, Aurangzeb’s sister Jahanara Begum was accidentally burnt in Agra. Aurangzeb suffered his father’s wrath as he returned to Agra only three weeks after the incident, instead of coming home immediately. Expressing his displeasure Shah Jahan dismissed him as the governor of Deccan. Aurangzeb’s fortunes began to decline and he was barred from the court.

But, after a long wait Shah Jahan appointed him Governor of Gujarat. In 1647, Shah Jahan made him governor of Balkh and Badakhshan (near modern Turkmenistan and Afghanistan). He replaced his brother Murad Baksh. These areas were constantly under attack from neighbouring countries. Aurangzeb’s military skill proved successful and he was able to restore peace.

In 1652, he was reinstated as the governor of the Deccan. Aurangzeb took extreme measures to improve the economy even if it included destroying temples and monuments. Shah Jahan stopped the attacks. At this time, Shah Jahan fell ill and there were rumours of his death.

With the rumours, the struggle for succession began. Though Dara Shikoh was the heir apparent the succession did not go as planned. Shah Shuja, their brother, declared himself emperor in Bengal and Dara Shikoh and Shah Jahan sent imperial armies to stop him. Murad Baksh declared himself emperor in Gujarat with the secret support of Aurangzeb.

Meanwhile, Aurangzeb marched north from Aurangabad gathering the support of nobles and generals. After winning a few battles he announced that Dara Shikoh had usurped the throne. A series of bloody battles followed and Aurangzeb conquered Agra and Red Fort. Dara Shikoh fled. Aurangzeb got Murad and Dara Shikoh arrested and exiled Shah Shuja.

On July 31, Aurangzeb proclaimed himself successor to the throne. He ruled Hindustan for 48 years. He expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, encompassing all but the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.