The second phase of Aurangzeb's interactions with the Deccani states started immediately the first phase. It began in 1668 and lasted till 1684. During this phase, Aurangzeb faced problems in terms of the growing power of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the tripartite alliance between Golconda, Bijapur, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. In this article, we will discuss the Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - The Second Phase (1668–84) which will be helpful for UPSC exam preparation.

Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - Background

• Shah Jahan promised that the Mughals would never invade Bijapur and Golconda in the 1636 treaty.
• But he had abandoned his treaty, which pledged that the Mughals would never capture Bijapur and Golconda in exchange for one-third of the territory of Ahmednagar state
• When Aurangzeb became Emperor in 1658, he was confronted with two issues.
  • One was Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's growing power, and the other was persuading Bijapur to relinquish the 1636 treaty acquired territory.
• He sent his first expedition to Deccan in 1658 but was unable to win, so in 1668, he sent one more expedition.
• Golconda was ruled by Madanna and Akhanna. These two brothers gained their dominance between 1668 and 1676.
• They had essentially dominated Golconda from 1672 till the state's collapse in 1687.
• The brothers attempted to form a tripartite alliance between Golconda, Bijapur, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• However, faction disputes at the Bijapur court and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's overbearing ambition frequently disrupted this strategy.

Invasion by Aurangzeb into Deccan

• Aurangzeb wanted all these three kingdoms and once again started the invasion.
• So, the Mughals invaded Bijapur in 1676 and overthrew Khawas Khan, the regent of Bijapur. In addition, Aurangzeb welcomed Bahadur Khan and Diler Khan.
• Bahadur Khan and Diler Khan had good relations with the Afghan group in Bijapur, so through factions in Bijapur, the kingdom can be weakened.
• Diler Khan urged Bahlol Khan, the Afghan leader of Bijapur, to join an expedition against Golconda.
• But Mughal-Bijapur alliance was unable to defeat Golconda.
• The collapse of the Mughal-Bijapur invasion in 1677 was due to the strong leadership of Madanna and Akhanna.
• Diler Khan attempted to conquer Bijapur once again in 1679-80.
• But he failed once again due to a lack of strategy and forces to battle against the combined forces of the Deccani rulers.

Conclusion

Deccan conquering was difficult for Mughals. Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted Deccan under his subjugation at any cost which led to Aurangzeb and the Deccani States' conflict. In the second phase, he followed a policy of divide and rule to break the tripartite alliance between Golconda, Bijapur, and Marathas but once again, he failed against the combined forces of the Deccani rulers.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What was the main focus of Aurangzeb's policy in the Deccan between 1668 and 1684?

A) Expansion of Mughal Empire
B) Economic reform in Deccan
C) Establishment of Hindu rule in the Deccan
D) Promoting religious tolerance

2. How did Aurangzeb’s approach to religion affect his rule in the Deccan?

A) It promoted religious harmony
B) It led to the destruction of temples
C) It encouraged religious conversion
D) It resulted in the abolition of taxes on non-Muslims

3. Which of the following states resisted Aurangzeb’s expansion in the Deccan?

A) Vijayanagara Empire
B) Maratha Empire
C) Mughal Empire
D) Nizam Shah

4. What was the impact of Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign on the Mughal Empire?

A) Strengthened the empire
B) Led to increased wealth and resources
C) Drained the empire’s resources and weakened it
D) Encouraged cultural development

5. Who was the most significant Maratha leader during the Deccan campaigns of Aurangzeb?

A) Shahu Maharaj
B) Shivaji
C) Sambhaji
D) Bajirao I

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Examine the long-term effects of Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy on the Mughal Empire.

Answer: Aurangzeb’s prolonged military campaigns in the Deccan severely drained the Mughal Empire’s resources and manpower. These campaigns, intended to suppress the Marathas and other local kingdoms, diverted resources from the more prosperous northern provinces. Financially, the empire was strained, and the continuous warfare led to increased military expenditure, further weakening the central administration. Furthermore, the destruction of temples and the imposition of heavy taxes on non-Muslims alienated significant sections of the population. This policy contributed to the eventual fragmentation of the Mughal Empire, as regional powers such as the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs gained strength during this period.

Q2: How did the rise of regional powers in the Deccan challenge the Mughal authority under Aurangzeb?

Answer: The rise of regional powers such as the Marathas, the Nizam Shahi dynasty, and the Kingdom of Bijapur presented a significant challenge to Mughal authority in the Deccan. The Marathas, under Shivaji, actively resisted Mughal expansion through guerrilla tactics, forming alliances with other local states to counter Mughal forces. The Nizam Shahis and the Adil Shahis were also strong adversaries who resisted Mughal encroachment on their territories. The decentralization of power within the Deccan, coupled with the increasing influence of these regional states, weakened the Mughal hold on the region. This decentralization, combined with the military and administrative overreach of Aurangzeb, ultimately led to the decline of Mughal influence in the Deccan.

Q3: Discuss the role of religion in shaping Aurangzeb’s policies in the Deccan and its consequences.

Answer: Aurangzeb’s policies in the Deccan were heavily influenced by his strict Sunni Muslim orthodoxy. His efforts to impose Islamic law and destroy Hindu temples, along with the introduction of higher taxes for non-Muslims (Jizya), led to widespread resentment. His policy of religious intolerance alienated many of his subjects, particularly in the Deccan, where Hindu kingdoms were strong. The Marathas, in particular, viewed Aurangzeb’s religious policies as a direct attack on their way of life, leading to fierce resistance under leaders like Shivaji. The religious nature of his policies further deepened the cultural and political divide between the Mughal Empire and the regional powers, contributing to the decline of Mughal authority in the Deccan and the rise of regional identities.

Previous Year Questions on Aurangzeb's Policies in the Deccan

1. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Analyze the significance of the Maratha resistance to Aurangzeb’s expansion in the Deccan and its impact on the Mughal Empire.

Explanation: The Maratha resistance, led by Shivaji and later by his successors, played a critical role in challenging Aurangzeb’s attempts to consolidate Mughal rule in the Deccan. The guerilla warfare tactics used by the Marathas drained Mughal resources, leading to a prolonged conflict that weakened the Mughal Empire. The Maratha resistance eventually led to the establishment of a powerful Maratha confederacy that posed a significant threat to Mughal authority in the region.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2017 (GS Paper 1):

Question: Discuss the political and economic impact of the Deccan policy of Aurangzeb on the Mughal Empire during the 17th century.

Explanation: Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy, which included prolonged military campaigns, imposed heavy economic burdens on the Mughal Empire. These campaigns drained resources, strained the economy, and led to administrative inefficiency. Furthermore, the focus on military expansion in the Deccan diverted attention from other crucial areas of governance, contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire in the late 17th century. His policies also contributed to the fragmentation of the empire, as regional powers, particularly the Marathas, gained strength.