Key Figures
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Dara Shikoh:
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Son of Shah Jahan, known for his syncretic views.
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Strived for harmonious relationships between different religions, particularly Hinduism and Islam.
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Key Works:
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Majma-ul-Bahrain (Mingling of Two Oceans): Focused on finding commonalities between Hinduism and Islam.
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Sirr-i-Akbar (Great Mystery): Translated 52 volumes of the Upanishads from Sanskrit to Persian, believing them to be the “hidden book” mentioned in the Quran.
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His views were considered heretical by some clerics, leading to his execution by Aurangzeb.
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Aurangzeb:
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Born in Dohad (Gujarat) in 1618.
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Ruled for over 49 years.
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Historians have debated his religious policies.
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Jadunath Sarkar: Claims Aurangzeb aimed to establish Dar-ul-Islam (a complete Islamic state) in India.
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Shibli Naumani: Argues Aurangzeb’s zeal for Islam was more political than saintly.
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Audrey Truschke: Notes Aurangzeb’s complexity, highlighting instances of both temple destruction and protection, as well as employing more Hindus in his administration than previous Mughal rulers.
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Reimposed the jizya tax and engaged in prolonged conflicts in the Deccan.
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War of Succession (1657-1659)
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Mughal Succession:
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Mughals did not follow primogeniture (eldest son inherits).
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Followed coparcenary inheritance (division among all sons), leading to frequent wars of succession.
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Key Battles:
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Battle of Bahadurpur (1658): Dara’s son defeated Shah Shuja.
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Battle of Dharmat (1658): Aurangzeb defeated Dara’s forces.
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Battle of Samugarh (1658): Aurangzeb defeated Dara.
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Battle of Khajwa (1659): Aurangzeb defeated Shuja.
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Battle of Deorai (1659): Aurangzeb defeated Dara, leading to Dara’s capture and execution.
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