Aurangzeb's Annexation of Bijapur: Finding the Year

The question asks for the specific year when the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb annexed the Sultanate of Bijapur. This event was a significant moment in the history of the Indian subcontinent, marking a major expansion of the Mughal Empire into the Deccan region.

Aurangzeb pursued an aggressive policy towards the independent Deccan Sultanates, specifically Bijapur and Golconda. His aim was to bring these territories under direct Mughal rule. The campaign against Bijapur was a long and challenging one.

After a prolonged siege and military campaigns, the city of Bijapur finally fell to the Mughal forces under Aurangzeb's command.

Historical records indicate that the Sultanate of Bijapur was annexed by Aurangzeb in the year 1686.

The annexation of Bijapur, followed shortly by the annexation of Golconda in 1687, led to the end of these two prominent Deccan Sultanates and extended the Mughal Empire to its greatest territorial extent.

Revision Table: Key Deccan Annexations by Aurangzeb

Additional Information on Bijapur and Aurangzeb

Bijapur was one of the most important successor states that arose after the fragmentation of the Bahmani Sultanate. It was ruled by the Adil Shahi dynasty. Bijapur was known for its impressive architecture, including the Gol Gumbaz.

Aurangzeb's focus on annexing the Deccan Sultanates was partly driven by strategic reasons, including consolidating control over the wealthy southern regions and suppressing potential rivals or allies of the Marathas, who were also a significant power in the Deccan during this period.

The siege of Bijapur lasted for a considerable time before its final surrender in 1686.