What Do Sikhs Think About Aurangzeb?

Aurangzeb in Sikh Scriptures: A Critical Perspective

Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, is often remembered as one of the most controversial rulers in Indian history. His reign, marked by the expansion of the Mughal Empire and a relentless pursuit of Islamic orthodoxy, left an indelible mark on the cultural, political, and religious landscape of India. For the Sikh community, however, Aurangzeb represents a period of intense persecution and oppression. Sikh scriptures, particularly the writings of Guru Gobind Singh and other historical texts, provide a critical portrayal of the Mughal emperor, condemning his tyranny, betrayal, and religious intolerance. In this article, we explore the portrayal of Aurangzeb in Sikh scriptures and the historical context that shaped these narratives.

1. The Persecution of Guru Teg Bahadur

Aurangzeb’s policies of religious intolerance and forced conversions are among the most significant reasons for his negative portrayal in Sikh scriptures. The martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur, the ninth Guru of the Sikhs, stands as a glaring example of Aurangzeb’s oppressive rule. Guru Teg Bahadur’s refusal to convert to Islam and his unwavering stance on religious freedom led to his brutal execution in 1675.

Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom is a pivotal moment in Sikh history. According to Sikh traditions, Guru Teg Bahadur was arrested by the Mughal emperor’s orders for defending the rights of Hindus to practice their religion freely. When Aurangzeb demanded that the Guru convert to Islam, Guru Teg Bahadur refused, stating that he would rather sacrifice his life than abandon his faith. In response, Aurangzeb ordered the Guru’s execution in Delhi. Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom was not only a personal sacrifice but also a stand for the protection of religious rights for all, irrespective of their faith. Sikh scriptures, such as Bachittar Natak (a work by Guru Gobind Singh), memorialize this event and highlight Aurangzeb’s cruelty.

Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Sikh Guru, who was Guru Teg Bahadur’s son, spoke of his father’s martyrdom as an act of supreme sacrifice for religious freedom. He painted Aurangzeb’s actions in a negative light, depicting him as an authoritarian ruler who used violence and coercion to impose his beliefs upon others. The martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur remains central to the Sikh narrative of resistance against religious tyranny, with Aurangzeb symbolizing the forces of oppression.

2. Guru Gobind Singh’s Zafarnama: A Reproach to Aurangzeb

Perhaps the most explicit and scathing criticism of Aurangzeb in Sikh literature comes from Guru Gobind Singh’s Zafarnama, a Persian letter written to the Mughal emperor in 1705. The Zafarnama, literally meaning “Epistle of Victory,” is a powerful expression of defiance and a condemnation of Aurangzeb’s betrayal and deceit. The letter was written after the battle of Chamkaur, where Guru Gobind Singh and his followers were betrayed by the Mughal forces and subjected to treacherous treatment.

In the Zafarnama, Guru Gobind Singh accuses Aurangzeb of being a hypocrite who deceived his own subjects and violated his promises. The Guru criticized the emperor’s duplicitous behavior, particularly the way he broke his word and failed to honor his agreements. One of the most poignant accusations in the letter concerns the execution of Guru Gobind Singh’s sons, Zorawar Singh and Fateh Singh, who were imprisoned and later martyred by Aurangzeb’s forces.

Guru Gobind Singh’s Zafarnama, while acknowledging the principles of divine justice and righteousness, highlights the emperor’s dishonorable actions. The letter is a clear rebuke to Aurangzeb’s rule, which was marked by treachery, cruelty, and a disregard for justice. It is in this context that Guru Gobind Singh emphasizes the concept of “Sarbat da Bhala” (welfare of all), which stands in direct contrast to Aurangzeb’s narrow vision of religious orthodoxy and oppression.

3. The Criticism of Religious Intolerance

Aurangzeb’s reign is often associated with his imposition of strict Islamic practices and policies aimed at suppressing non-Muslim communities. Sikh scriptures, in particular, condemn his policy of forced conversions, destruction of temples, and execution of those who resisted conversion. Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire took a more aggressive stance toward non-Muslims, and the Sikh community, which had already faced persecution under earlier Mughal rulers, suffered even more during his reign.

The Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Arjan Dev and Guru Hargobind, had already established a strong sense of resistance to Mughal oppression. However, under Aurangzeb, the situation became increasingly dire. The destruction of Sikh shrines, the execution of Guru Teg Bahadur, and the constant harassment of the Sikh community are central to the Sikh understanding of Aurangzeb’s legacy. The Gurus emphasized the importance of protecting religious freedom and standing up against tyranny, and in their teachings, they sought to inspire their followers to resist the kind of repression embodied by Aurangzeb’s rule.

Guru Gobind Singh, in particular, was vocal in his condemnation of Aurangzeb’s religious intolerance. His writings, such as the Dasam Granth, which contains hymns, poetry, and narratives, reflect his deep disdain for those who used religion as a tool of power and oppression. In these texts, Guru Gobind Singh reiterates the importance of truth, justice, and freedom of faith, principles that were in direct conflict with Aurangzeb’s policies.

4. Aurangzeb as a Symbol of Tyranny and Betrayal

While Sikh scriptures do not focus on personal animosity toward Aurangzeb, they do present him as a symbol of tyranny, religious persecution, and betrayal. The figures of Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh emerge as heroes who embodied the ideals of courage, integrity, and resistance against oppression. The persecution faced by the Sikh community under Aurangzeb’s reign reinforced the Sikh belief in the importance of standing up for justice, truth, and religious freedom.

The legacy of Aurangzeb, as seen through the lens of Sikh scripture, serves as a reminder of the dangers of authoritarianism, religious intolerance, and the abuse of power. The Guru’s writings, especially those of Guru Gobind Singh, emphasize the need to uphold righteousness and defend the oppressed. Aurangzeb’s actions are presented as a cautionary tale of the consequences of tyranny and the violation of human rights.

5. The Enduring Legacy of Sikh Resistance

The Sikh response to Aurangzeb’s reign has had a lasting impact on the Sikh community. The sacrifices made by the Gurus, particularly the martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur and the resistance led by Guru Gobind Singh, remain central to the Sikh identity. These events inspired the formation of the Khalsa, a militant group that was organized to defend the faith and protect religious freedom. The Guru’s teachings, as recorded in the Guru Granth Sahib and other Sikh scriptures, continue to guide the Sikh community in their struggle for justice and equality.

Aurangzeb’s reign, though marked by expansion and military conquest, is remembered by Sikhs as a period of immense suffering and persecution. Sikh scriptures and historical narratives play a crucial role in preserving the memory of this dark chapter and in reinforcing the values of resistance, justice, and religious tolerance. For Sikhs, the legacy of Guru Teg Bahadur and Guru Gobind Singh’s resistance against Aurangzeb serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing firm in the face of tyranny.

Conclusion

The portrayal of Aurangzeb in Sikh scriptures is one of condemnation and reproach. His reign, characterized by religious intolerance, forced conversions, and the oppression of non-Muslim communities, is seen as an example of the dangers of authoritarianism and unchecked power. Sikh scriptures, especially the writings of Guru Gobind Singh, offer a powerful critique of Aurangzeb, portraying him as a symbol of betrayal and injustice. The sacrifices of the Sikh Gurus, particularly Guru Teg Bahadur’s martyrdom and Guru Gobind Singh’s defiance, continue to inspire the Sikh community in their commitment to truth, justice, and religious freedom.