RELATIONS WITH RAJPUT’S

Aurangzeb’s relations with the Rajputs were complex and evolved significantly throughout his reign from 1658 to 1707. The Rajputs, who had been important allies of the Mughal Empire under earlier rulers, especially Akbar, faced a shift in treatment under Aurangzeb’s rule due to his policies of centralization and religious orthodoxy. This change ultimately led to tensions and rebellions that significantly impacted the Mughal Empire.

Background of Rajput-Mughal Relations

1. Alliance Under Akbar:
   • Akbar, Aurangzeb’s grandfather, established a policy of alliances with the Rajput states through marriages, diplomacy, and a system of mutual respect. He married several Rajput princesses and integrated many Rajput chiefs into the Mughal administration, offering them positions of power and autonomy in their territories.
   • This approach fostered loyalty among the Rajputs, who saw the Mughal Empire as a protector of their interests against other rival powers in the region.
2. Shah Jahan’s Era:
   • Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb’s father, continued Akbar’s policies of alliance and cooperation with the Rajputs. Under his rule, Rajputana experienced relative peace, and the Rajputs maintained their autonomy while acknowledging Mughal suzerainty.

Aurangzeb’s Ascension and Initial Relations with Rajputs

1. Religious Policies:
   • Upon ascending the throne in 1658, Aurangzeb adopted a more orthodox Islamic stance, which alienated many of his Hindu subjects, including the Rajputs. He re-imposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679, which was particularly resented by the Hindu Rajputs.
2. Annexation of Marwar:
   • Tensions escalated significantly with the death of Raja Jaswant Singh, the powerful Rajput ruler of Marwar, in 1678. Aurangzeb refused to recognize Jaswant Singh’s posthumous son, Ajit Singh, and instead sought to annex Marwar directly into the Mughal Empire.
   • This led to a rebellion led by Durgadas Rathore, a loyal Rajput commander, who rallied support for Ajit Singh. The refusal to recognize the legitimate heir and Aurangzeb’s aggressive policies provoked widespread resentment among the Rajputs.

Key Events and Personalities

1. The Rajput Rebellion (1679–1681):
   • Following Aurangzeb’s annexation attempt, the Rajputs rose in revolt, with Durgadas Rathore becoming a prominent leader. He orchestrated a series of guerrilla attacks against Mughal forces and defended Ajit Singh’s claim to the throne.
   • The Mughal army faced significant challenges in subduing the Rajput forces due to their knowledge of the local terrain and effective military strategies.
   • The rebellion led to fierce battles, with the Rajputs managing to hold out against Mughal forces for several years. In 1681, Aurangzeb was forced to negotiate, eventually recognizing Ajit Singh as the ruler of Marwar under Mughal suzerainty.
2. Rana Raj Singh of Mewar:
   • Rana Raj Singh, another significant Rajput leader from the Mewar region, also resisted Aurangzeb’s authority. He had established a degree of independence from Mughal rule and actively opposed Aurangzeb’s policies.
   • In 1678, after Aurangzeb ordered the destruction of Hindu temples and imposed stricter religious regulations, Raj Singh united various Rajput factions against the Mughal Empire.
   • The resistance from Mewar further strained relations and showcased the inability of Aurangzeb to maintain the loyalty of his former allies.
3. The War of Succession:
   • Following Aurangzeb’s assumption of the throne, various Rajput chiefs, notably Ajit Singh, took part in the power struggles, impacting their loyalty towards the Mughal Empire.
   • The internal conflict within the Mughal Empire created opportunities for the Rajputs to assert their independence, leading to significant political instability.
4. Aurangzeb’s Campaigns Against the Rajputs:
   • In response to the ongoing rebellions, Aurangzeb launched military campaigns against the Rajputs. However, these campaigns often faced setbacks due to the strong resistance from Rajput forces.
   • Despite his military efforts, Aurangzeb found it challenging to fully subjugate the Rajput states, and the Rajputs remained largely independent while acknowledging nominal Mughal authority.

Impact on Mughal-Rajput Relations

1. Decline of Mughal Authority:
   • The deterioration of relations between Aurangzeb and the Rajputs marked a significant turning point in Mughal governance. The Rajputs, once loyal allies, became fierce opponents.
   • The Rajput rebellions not only drained Mughal resources but also shifted the balance of power in northern India, setting the stage for regional powers to emerge.
2. Legacy of Rajput Resistance:
   • The persistent resistance from the Rajputs during Aurangzeb’s reign highlighted the challenges faced by the Mughal Empire in managing its diverse subjects and territories.
   • The Rajput spirit of resistance would inspire future generations, leading to the eventual establishment of powerful regional states and the decline of Mughal influence in India.

Conclusion

Aurangzeb’s relations with the Rajputs shifted from initial cooperation to deep-seated conflict due to his religious policies, attempts at territorial annexation, and failure to maintain alliances. The rebellions led by Rajput leaders like Durgadas Rathore and Rana Raj Singh exemplified the growing discontent among the Rajputs. Ultimately, the strain in relations not only weakened Mughal authority but also laid the groundwork for the rise of regional powers that would play a significant role in shaping India’s future.