The third phase of Aurangzeb's interactions with the Deccani states began in 1684 and lasted till 1687. The first phase was from 1658 to 1668 and then the second phase was from 1668 to1684. Immediately after it, the third phase was started. During the third phase, Aurangzeb achieved some success and was able to defeat Bijapur and Golconda but his worst phase was going to start at the end of 1687. In this article, we will discuss the Aurangzeb and the Deccani States - The Third Phase (1684–87) 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 Treaty of 1636.
• He abandoned this 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, his priority was to control Decaani states.
• From 1668 to1684, Aurangzeb faced problems in terms of the growing power of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the tripartite alliance between Golconda, Bijapur, and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Mughals had achieved little during the second phase of 1676 to 80.
• When Aurangzeb reached the Deccan in 1681 in search of his rebel son, Prince Muhammad Akbar, he first ordered his forces to fight against Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
• Sambhaji was the son and successor of Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
• Aurangzeb was renewing his efforts to drive the Marathas out of Bijapur and Golconda.
• His policy of divide and rule failed to produce any positive results in past.
• The Deccani states were unwilling to give up the Marathas, who were their main defence against the Mughals.

Invasion by Aurangzeb into Deccan During Third Phase

• Aurangzeb was worried about his failure from 1658 to 1684, so he decided to force the Mughals again.
• He invited Adil Shah and requested that he provide a vassal to the imperial army and allow the Mughal army unfettered transit through his region.
• Aurangzeb sent 5,000 to 6,000 horsemen to fight against Marathas.
• On the other hand, Adil Shah sought assistance from both Golconda and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj.
• He betrayed Aurangzeb and he received assistance quickly.
• The combined armies of the Deccani states, as previously proved, could not stand up against the complete strength of the Mughal army.
• Especially when the Mughal army was led by the Mughal emperor or an energetic prince.
• But when the Mughals fought with Deccan led by emperor Aurangzeb and his prince, the siege took 18 months due to mighty Marathas.
• The Mughals' triumph offered a justification for Jai Singh's and Diler Khan's earlier failures during the second phase of the conflict.
• Following Bijapur's defeat, a campaign against Golconda was required. Mughals conquered Golconda after fierce fighting in 1685.
• The emperor consented to pardon Qutb Shah of Golconda in exchange for a large subsidy, the cession of some territories, and the expulsion of two brothers, Madanna and Akhanna.
• Both were hauled out on the streets and slaughtered after Qutb Shah accepted Mughal terms in 1688.
• Despite this recognition, Qutb Shah was unable to safeguard his kingdom.
• Aurangzeb had won, but he quickly discovered that the dissolution of Bijapur and Golconda was only the beginning of his problems.
• Aurangzeb's life was about to enter its final and most terrible period.

Conclusion

Deccan was difficult to conquer for the Mughals. Mughal ruler Aurangzeb wanted Deccan under his subjugation at any cost and which led to Aurangzeb and the Deccani States' conflict. In the third phase, he defeated Bijapur and Golconda but the most difficult phase of his life was waiting to come. The Mughals laid siege to Golconda in early 1687, and after more than six months of fighting, the fort fell due to treachery and bribery.

FAQs

Question: What was the role of Aurangzeb in the Deccan during 1684-1687?

Question: What were the key events during the 1684-1687 campaigns?

Question: What were the results of the campaigns in the Deccan between 1684 and 1687?

Question: How did the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda affect the Mughal Empire?

Question: What role did the Marathas play during this period?

MCQs

1. Which of the following states was annexed by Aurangzeb in 1686?

A) Bijapur

B) Golconda

C) Marwar

D) Rajasthan

2. In which year did Aurangzeb successfully conquer Golconda?

A) 1684

B) 1687

C) 1690

D) 1695

3. Who was the Maratha leader opposing Aurangzeb during the Deccan campaigns?

A) Rana Bahadur

B) Rajaram

C) Akbar

D) Sher Shah Suri

4. What was the result of the Mughal conquest of Bijapur and Golconda?

A) Increased Maratha collaboration with the Mughals

B) Strengthened Mughal control over the Deccan

C) Immediate end of the Maratha resistance

D) Establishment of new Maratha kingdoms in the south

5. Which Maratha leader continued the resistance against Aurangzeb after Shivaji’s death in 1680?

A) Shivaji Maharaj

B) Sambhaji

C) Balaji Vishwanath

D) Baji Rao I

GS Mains Questions and Model Answer

Q1: Analyze the significance of Aurangzeb's conquest of the Deccan Sultanates (1684-1687) in the context of Mughal expansion.

Answer: The conquest of Bijapur and Golconda marked the peak of Aurangzeb’s southern expansion. While it eliminated key regional powers and expanded the Mughal Empire, it overstretched resources, intensified Maratha resistance, and weakened central authority, leading to long-term instability and contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Q2: Discuss the impact of the Deccan campaigns (1684-1687) on Mughal-Maratha relations.

Answer: The annexation of Bijapur and Golconda deepened Mughal-Maratha conflicts. The Marathas, under Sambhaji and Rajaram, intensified guerrilla warfare, challenging Mughal control and asserting their territorial authority. This prolonged conflict drained Mughal resources and contributed to the empire’s decline.

Q3: Evaluate the significance of Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns (1684-1687) in the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Answer: The campaigns led to territorial gains but imposed financial and administrative burdens on the Mughal Empire. The prolonged conflict with the Marathas and local rebellions drained resources, weakened the central administration, and marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire’s decline.

Previous Year Questions on  The Third Phase 1684 to 87

1. UPSC CSE 2021

Question: Assess the impact of Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns (1684-1687) on the Mughal Empire’s expansion and its long-term consequences.

Answer: This question evaluates the immediate successes of Aurangzeb’s campaigns and their long-term effects, such as resource strain, administrative overreach, and increased Maratha resistance, contributing to the empire’s decline.

2. UPSC CSE 2020

Question: Explain the significance of the Maratha resistance during Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaigns and its influence on the course of Mughal history.

Answer: This question highlights the resilience of the Marathas under leaders like Sambhaji and Rajaram in challenging Mughal expansion and how their resistance contributed to the weakening of the Mughal Empire.