Why Aurangzeb Was So Bigot?

Aurangzeb’s bigotry and harsh policies stem from a combination of personal beliefs, political ambitions, and the broader context of his reign. His approach was shaped by a complex mix of religious orthodoxy, authoritarian rule, and a desire to solidify his control over the diverse and multi-religious Indian subcontinent. Here are some of the factors that contributed to his bigoted actions:

1. Religious Orthodoxy and Devotion to Islam

Aurangzeb was a deeply religious man, adhering strictly to his interpretation of Sunni Islam. He believed in the primacy of Islam over other religions and saw it as his duty to enforce Islamic law and values across the empire. His strict piety was in contrast to the more secular policies of his predecessors, such as Akbar, who promoted religious tolerance and pluralism.

Aurangzeb believed that India, with its majority Hindu population, was dominated by “false” religions. He considered it his divine duty to spread Islam and ensure that non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, adhered to Islamic law. His policies were rooted in this dogmatic belief, where he saw his actions as righteous and necessary for the spread of Islamic teachings.

2. Political Considerations and Consolidating Power

Aurangzeb was also politically motivated. Ascending to the throne after a brutal war of succession, he felt the need to consolidate his power and establish his authority over the vast Mughal Empire. His reign saw numerous rebellions, including those from the Marathas, Rajputs, and other regional powers. Aurangzeb believed that by enforcing religious unity under Islam, he could unify the empire, especially given the growing influence of non-Muslim communities.

In this context, his religious intolerance was also a tool to assert central authority and reduce the power of regional kings, religious leaders, and other groups that might resist his rule. This made him focus on religious orthodoxy as a way to suppress dissent and establish a unifying religious identity under Islam.

3. Conflict with the Sikhs and Other Non-Muslim Groups

Aurangzeb’s policies were particularly harsh against groups that resisted Mughal domination or whose beliefs conflicted with his interpretation of Islam. The Sikhs, for example, had grown increasingly powerful under Guru Nanak’s teachings and later under Guru Tegh Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh. The refusal of Sikh Gurus to convert to Islam and their defense of religious freedom were direct challenges to his religious policies.

The Sikhs’ growing resistance, along with the rise of the Marathas and Rajputs, led to Aurangzeb viewing them as a threat not only to his political control but also to the Islamic order he sought to impose. His response to these groups was often violent and repressive, fueled by his belief that they were obstacles to the spread of Islam.

4. Influence of His Advisors and Religious Scholars

Aurangzeb surrounded himself with advisors who were also deeply committed to enforcing Islamic orthodoxy. These scholars and religious leaders, many of whom were of the Wahhabi sect, strongly supported his policies of religious intolerance. They promoted the idea that the Mughal Empire should be governed according to Islamic principles, which meant the subjugation of non-Muslim religious practices and the imposition of Islamic law (Sharia) as the state law.

Aurangzeb, in turn, trusted and followed their counsel, giving them power to implement policies that persecuted non-Muslims, destroyed temples, and imposed discriminatory taxes such as the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims). These advisors played a crucial role in shaping his actions and helped maintain his stance of religious bigotry.

5. The Decline of the Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb’s reign also marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire, and his religious intolerance can be seen as a symptom of this larger decline. His focus on enforcing Islam, rather than building a more inclusive and tolerant empire, alienated many groups within the empire. The strained relationships with the Marathas, Rajputs, and Sikhs, along with his heavy-handed military campaigns, drained the empire’s resources and weakened its cohesion.

His obsession with religious uniformity created fissures within the empire and made it harder to maintain control over its diverse population. Instead of fostering a culture of unity, his bigoted policies fueled resentment and resistance, weakening the very empire he sought to protect.

6. Destruction of Hindu Temples and Forced Conversions

Aurangzeb is notorious for his policy of temple destruction, particularly Hindu temples. He ordered the demolition of several prominent temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and the Somnath Temple. These actions were part of his broader agenda to suppress Hinduism and force conversions to Islam. For him, the destruction of temples symbolized the assertion of Islamic supremacy and the suppression of non-Muslim practices.

In addition, he sought to forcibly convert Hindus to Islam, sometimes using threats or violence. These policies were justified by his belief that it was his divine duty to convert the “infidels” and bring them into the fold of Islam.

7. Personal Bias and Hostility Towards Certain Groups

Aurangzeb’s personal biases and his extreme views on religion also contributed to his bigotry. He viewed the non-Muslim population of India as “unbelievers” and saw them as inferior. This prejudice influenced not only his personal policies but also the treatment of non-Muslims in the empire. His intolerance was not limited to Hindus, but also extended to other religious groups like Sikhs, Buddhists, and even Shia Muslims who did not conform to his Sunni interpretation of Islam.

Conclusion

Aurangzeb’s bigotry was a product of his deep religious orthodoxy, his desire to consolidate power, and his view of non-Muslims as a threat to the Islamic order he sought to enforce. His religious intolerance was exacerbated by his political ambitions and the religious and cultural advisors he relied on. While he saw his policies as righteous and necessary, they ultimately weakened the Mughal Empire and alienated large segments of the population. His reign left a legacy of division and resistance, particularly from the Sikh, Hindu, and Maratha communities, who opposed his repressive measures.