Who Was Worse: Alauddin Khilji or Aurangzeb?

Throughout Indian history, certain rulers have left deep imprints on the socio-political and cultural landscape, with Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb standing out as two of the most controversial figures. Both rulers are often criticized for their actions, policies, and the suffering they allegedly inflicted on their subjects. Comparing their reigns involves analyzing their governance, military campaigns, religious policies, and legacy. This article aims to evaluate who among the two – Alauddin Khilji of the Delhi Sultanate or Aurangzeb of the Mughal Empire – could be considered “worse” in terms of their impact on India.

Alauddin Khilji: The Ruthless Strategist

Alauddin Khilji (r. 1296–1316), the second ruler of the Khilji dynasty, is remembered for his expansionist ambitions and strict administration. While he was a military genius, his reign was marked by authoritarianism, economic exploitation, and cultural suppression.

1. Military Expansion and Brutality

Alauddin Khilji is infamous for his military campaigns that extended the boundaries of the Delhi Sultanate deep into southern India. His invasions of Gujarat, Ranthambore, Chittorgarh, and the Deccan are remembered for their extreme brutality.

• Sack of Somnath and Gujarat: Khilji’s general Malik Kafur plundered the famous Somnath temple in Gujarat, desecrating sacred spaces and looting enormous wealth. Many civilians were massacred, and women and children were enslaved in large numbers.
• Attack on Chittorgarh: Alauddin’s campaign against Chittorgarh in 1303 is infamous due to the legend of Rani Padmini and the mass Jauhar (self-immolation) of Rajput women. Although historical accounts about Padmini may be debated, the siege caused immense suffering to the people.

2. Economic Exploitation

Alauddin Khilji implemented stringent economic policies, including price controls and market regulation. While these measures were intended to ensure a steady supply of goods to his army, they caused immense suffering to the common people. Land taxes were exorbitantly high, often leaving farmers in extreme poverty. Those unable to pay taxes were punished severely, with many losing their lands or lives.

3. Suppression of Culture and Religion

Alauddin’s regime was marked by an aggressive suppression of Hindu traditions and temples. Large-scale temple destruction and forced conversions were common during his campaigns. However, it is important to note that Khilji was not driven by religious zeal as much as by a desire to consolidate power and wealth.

4. Authoritarian Rule

Khilji ruled with an iron fist. He centralized power to a degree unprecedented in the Delhi Sultanate. His spies monitored nobles and civilians, and dissent was crushed ruthlessly. While this brought temporary stability, it created an environment of fear and oppression.

Aurangzeb: The Zealous Autocrat

Aurangzeb (r. 1658–1707), the sixth Mughal emperor, is often portrayed as a polarizing figure. Unlike his predecessors Akbar or Shah Jahan, Aurangzeb prioritized religious orthodoxy over cultural inclusivity, which alienated large sections of his empire. His reign saw territorial expansion but also significant unrest.

1. Religious Policies

Aurangzeb’s reign is synonymous with religious intolerance. He reimposed the jizya tax on non-Muslims, which had been abolished by Akbar, and enforced Sharia law across his empire. Temples were destroyed, and Hindus were often discriminated against in administrative roles.

• Temple Destruction: Prominent temples like the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi and the Kesava Deo temple in Mathura were razed, and mosques were built in their place. This caused deep resentment among the Hindu population and remains a contentious issue in Indian history.
• Forced Conversions: While not on a large scale, there are records of forced conversions, particularly in politically strategic regions.

2. Military Ambitions and Consequences

Aurangzeb’s military campaigns were both extensive and disastrous. He spent much of his reign fighting wars in the Deccan and against the Marathas, leading to the depletion of the empire’s treasury. His inability to effectively suppress the Marathas, led by the legendary Shivaji and later by his successors, weakened the Mughal Empire significantly.

• Persecution of the Sikhs: Guru Tegh Bahadur, the ninth Sikh Guru, was executed under Aurangzeb’s orders for resisting forced conversions. This act sowed the seeds of Sikh militarization under Guru Gobind Singh.
• Brutality against the Rajputs: Aurangzeb’s strained relations with the Rajputs, who were once allies of the Mughal Empire, resulted in rebellions that destabilized northern India.

3. Economic Strain

Aurangzeb’s prolonged wars and rigid tax policies led to economic decline. The heavy taxation on non-Muslims, combined with the cost of maintaining a massive military, created widespread poverty and discontent. Trade and commerce, which had flourished under Akbar and Jahangir, suffered immensely during Aurangzeb’s reign.

4. Cultural Suppression

Aurangzeb’s disdain for art and culture starkly contrasted with the Mughal tradition. He banned music, dance, and other forms of entertainment at the royal court, dismissing them as un-Islamic. This marked a cultural regression and alienated many who had thrived under the more liberal policies of his predecessors.

The Verdict: Who Was Worse?

To determine who was worse between Alauddin Khilji and Aurangzeb, it is essential to consider the following factors:

1. Religious Intolerance

• Alauddin Khilji was ruthless but primarily motivated by political and economic gains. While he destroyed temples, his actions were less ideologically driven and more strategic.
• Aurangzeb, on the other hand, displayed religious fanaticism. His policies directly targeted non-Muslim communities, leading to long-term social and religious divisions in India.

2. Impact on Society

• Alauddin’s authoritarian rule crushed dissent and imposed economic hardship, but his centralized administration brought some stability.
• Aurangzeb’s reign, characterized by religious bigotry and economic strain, led to widespread discontent and set the stage for the empire’s decline.

3. Military Campaigns and Brutality

Both rulers were militarily ambitious and caused immense suffering. However, Aurangzeb’s prolonged wars drained the empire’s resources and destabilized India, making his impact more far-reaching.

4. Legacy

Alauddin Khilji’s legacy, though tainted, is overshadowed by his administrative and military achievements. Aurangzeb’s legacy, however, is predominantly negative due to his divisive policies and the weakening of the Mughal Empire.

Conclusion

While both rulers left dark chapters in Indian history, Aurangzeb’s actions had more long-term consequences. His religious intolerance, economic mismanagement, and alienation of key communities led to the decline of the Mughal Empire and left scars on India’s social fabric that persist to this day. Alauddin Khilji, though brutal, was primarily a conqueror whose actions were driven by pragmatism rather than ideology.

In the final analysis, Aurangzeb’s reign emerges as more damaging due to its far-reaching effects on India’s unity, economy, and culture. However, both rulers serve as reminders of the dangers of unchecked power and intolerance in governance.