Aurangzeb
The last great Mughal emperor expanded the empire to its zenith through relentless conquest, but his rigid rule planted the seeds of its decline.
1618–1707 (age 89)·Mughal emperor from 1658 to 1707·Birthday: November 3
Biography
Aurangzeb Alamgir seized the Peacock Throne through a brutal war of succession against his brothers, setting a tone of austere determination that would define his 49-year reign. A devout and orthodox Muslim, he distanced himself from the syncretic culture of his predecessors, reinstating taxes on non-Muslims and enforcing a stricter interpretation of Islamic law. Militarily, he was a tireless campaigner, pushing the empire's boundaries to their greatest extent across southern India. Yet this expansion came at a terrible cost, draining the treasury and sparking constant rebellion. By the time of his death, the empire was overstretched and simmering with discontent, leaving a legacy of magnificent territorial gain shadowed by deep religious and administrative fractures.
#1 When Aurangzeb Was Born
The biggest hits of 1618
Aurangzeb's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1618Born
1623Started school
1631Became a teenager
1634Could drive
1636Could vote
1639Turned 21
1648Turned 30
1658Turned 40
1668Turned 50
1678Turned 60
1688Turned 70
1698Turned 80
1707Died at 89
Key Achievements
- Ruled the Mughal Empire for 49 years, the longest reign of any Mughal emperor.
- Expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent, conquering much of the Deccan and South India.
- Compiled the Fatawa-e-Alamgiri, a comprehensive code of Islamic law for South Asia.
- Constructed the Badshahi Mosque in Lahore, one of the largest mosques in the world.
Did You Know?
He was a skilled calligrapher and copied the Quran by hand to earn money for his personal expenses.
Despite his vast wealth, he lived a surprisingly simple life, sewing caps and selling his calligraphy.
His full title was 'Alamgir', which means 'Conqueror of the World'.
He had a contentious relationship with his father, Emperor Shah Jahan, whom he imprisoned for the final eight years of his life.
“The law of the Shariat makes no distinction between a king and a beggar.”
