Aurangzeb's Intervention and the Rathor Rebellion

The question asks which Mughal ruler's involvement in the succession and internal affairs of the Rathor Rajputs of Marwar led to their rebellion. This historical event is directly linked to the policies and actions of Emperor Aurangzeb.

Understanding the Marwar Succession Crisis

The crisis began in 1678 following the death of Maharaja Jaswant Singh of Marwar while away on duty for the Mughal Empire. He died without a direct adult heir, leaving two wives pregnant at that time. This created a power vacuum and uncertainty regarding the succession.

• Upon hearing of Jaswant Singh's death, Aurangzeb decided to intervene directly in the affairs of Marwar.
• He declared the state of Marwar annexed to the Mughal Empire and put it under direct imperial administration.
• Aurangzeb initially appointed Ajit Singh (the posthumously born son of Jaswant Singh) as the heir, but placed him under the care of the Mughal court, intending to control the state through him. Later, he tried to install a different claimant, Inder Singh Rathor, as a puppet ruler.

Aurangzeb's Policies and Rathor Resistance

Aurangzeb's decision to interfere in the Rathor succession was driven by his desire to consolidate Mughal power and potentially reduce the influence of Rajput states. His actions were seen as a breach of traditional practices and were strongly opposed by the Rathor nobles.

• The Rathor leadership, particularly the devoted commander Durgadas Rathor, refused to accept Aurangzeb's interference and the installation of a puppet ruler.
• This led to a major rebellion by the Rathor Rajputs against the Mughal Empire, starting around 1679.
• The conflict was intense and prolonged, lasting for many years as the Rathors fought fiercely to regain their independence and secure the rightful succession for Ajit Singh.

Assessing Other Mughal Rulers

While other Mughal emperors had interactions with the Rajputs, their involvement did not lead to this specific rebellion:

• Babur: The founder of the Mughal Empire, his reign predated the period of this specific Marwar crisis.
• Akbar: Known for his generally tolerant policies and alliances with Rajput states, including the Rathors. He integrated Rajput rulers into the Mughal nobility through marriage alliances and administrative positions, fostering cooperation rather than conflict over succession.
• Shah Jahan: While he dealt with Rajput affairs, the major succession crisis and subsequent rebellion involving the Rathors of Marwar occurred during Aurangzeb's reign.

Conclusion

Based on historical accounts, it was Emperor Aurangzeb whose direct intervention in the succession dispute and internal politics of the Rathor Rajputs of Marwar after Maharaja Jaswant Singh's death in 1678 ignited the Rathor rebellion.