Question

Explain the objectives of aurangzeb's rajput policy and examine its effect

Answer 1

Objectives

1. Aurangzeb was an expansionist and on one or the other pretext, he wanted to annex their kingdoms.

2. Aurangzeb regarded the power and influence of the Rajput’s as a stumbling block in executing his policy of religious persecution of the Hindus.

Effects:

The Rajput policy proved very disastrous for the Mughals, as it made the Rajput’s hostile and deprived Aurangzeb of the loyalty of the brave Rajput’s. He wasted several years in conflict with them and suffered serious setbacks. Several of his own famous generals were killed in conflict with the Rajput rulers. He failed to subdue Durga Das of Marwar. He had to enter into treaty with Mewar.

Chhatrasal of Bundelkhand defied the Mughals. Prestige of the Mughal empire suffered. Aurangzeb, on account of constant conflicts could not provide good administration. No doubt, the faulty policy of Aurangzeb towards the Rajput’s was one of the major causes of the disintegration of the Mughal empire.