Friendly Associates in Aurangzeb’s Ministry
Friendly Associates in Aurangzeb’s Ministry
Although Aurangzeb is known for his strict Islamic policies, he still retained Hindu administrators, generals, and nobles in his court. Many Rajput and Maratha nobles continued to serve under him, although some later rebelled due to his religious intolerance. Below are some of the most significant Hindu associates in Aurangzeb’s administration:
1.Ministers and Administrators
A. Raja Jaswant Singh of Marwar (1619–1678)
- A Rajput ruler of Marwar (Jodhpur) and a high-ranking Mughal general.
- Served as Governor of Gujarat, Kabul, and Malwa.
- Initially loyal to Aurangzeb, but opposed his anti-Hindu policies.
- His death in 1678 led to a Rajput rebellion when Aurangzeb tried to annex Marwar.
B. Raja Jai Singh I (Mirza Raja Jai Singh, 1611–1667)
- A Rajput ruler of Amber (Jaipur) and a trusted Mughal commander.
- Led the 1665 campaign against Shivaji and negotiated the Treaty of Purandar.
- Governed important provinces, including Deccan, Malwa, and Agra.
- Died in 1667, possibly poisoned by Aurangzeb’s faction due to his growing power.
C. Raja Ram Singh I of Amber (1640–1688)
- Son of Raja Jai Singh I, continued serving the Mughal court.
- Led an expedition against Ahoms of Assam (1670s) but was unsuccessful.
- Despite being a Hindu, he remained loyal to Aurangzeb.
D. Raja Raghunath Rao
- A Brahmin minister who worked in Aurangzeb’s administration.
- Managed revenue collection and financial affairs in certain regions.
E. Indraman Singh
- A Rajput noble who served as an administrator and military leader.
F. Raja Shiv Singh Bundela of Orchha
- A Bundela Rajput who served Aurangzeb in various campaigns.
- Some Bundela Rajputs later revolted against Aurangzeb due to temple destruction policies.
2. Military Commanders and Generals
A. Kunwar Kishan Singh Rathore
- A Rajput military commander under Aurangzeb.
- Played a role in various campaigns in Deccan and Bengal.
B. Raja Gopal Singh Bhadauria
- A Rajput general who led Mughal forces against Marathas and local rebels.
C. Raja Chhatrasal Bundela (1649–1731)
- Initially served under Aurangzeb but later rebelled.
- Became a major opponent of Mughal rule in Bundelkhand.
D. Mahadev Bhat Deshpande
- A Maratha Brahmin administrator serving under Aurangzeb.
- Managed revenue collection and military logistics.
3. Governors Under Aurangzeb
A. Raja Bishan Singh of Amber (1672–1700)
- Grandson of Jai Singh I and served as Governor of Assam under Aurangzeb.
- Fought against Ahoms but later distanced himself from Aurangzeb’s rule.
B. Raja Subhkaran of Bundi
- A Rajput leader who remained in Aurangzeb’s service.
- His family later allied with the Rajput rebellion.
C. Mukund Singh Hada
- A Rajput noble and Mughal governor in Rajasthan.
4. Revenue and Financial Officers
A. Raja Todar Mal's Successors
- Many Hindu revenue officers from Todar Mal’s lineage continued in Mughal service.
- Managed Zamindari systems and land revenue collection.
B. Raghunath Das
- A Brahmin accountant who worked in Mughal treasury affairs.
5. Resistance and Revolts Against Aurangzeb
While many Hindus worked for Aurangzeb, several rebelled due to his religious intolerance:
Why Hindus Were Friendly and Flourished Under Aurangzeb’s Rule
Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (1618–1707) is often portrayed as a strict and orthodox ruler, but historical records indicate that many Hindus held high positions, prospered economically, and continued their traditions during his reign. While some of his policies were controversial, many Hindus remained loyal to the Mughal administration, contributed to the empire, and even benefited from his governance.
1. Hindu Nobles in Aurangzeb’s Administration
Aurangzeb continued the Mughal tradition of including Hindus in government. Despite his religious conservatism, he valued administrative efficiency over personal beliefs and retained many Hindu officers, nobles, and zamindars in his empire.
A. Hindu Mansabdars (Officers and Nobles)
- Over 30% of the Mughal nobility during Aurangzeb’s rule were Hindus, including Rajputs and Marathas.
- Raja Jaswant Singh of Marwar and Raja Jai Singh I of Amber were among the top Mughal generals and governors.
- Raja Raghunath Rao, Raja Roop Ram Katara, and other Hindu officers held key positions in military and administration.
B. Promotions Based on Merit
- Aurangzeb promoted officials based on their loyalty and competence, not their religion.
- Many Hindu nobles were given Jagirs (land grants) and high salaries.
- Rajputs and Marathas served as military commanders and contributed to Mughal military campaigns.
2. Religious and Social Life of Hindus Under Aurangzeb
Despite his religious policies, many Hindus continued their traditional practices, built temples, and conducted festivals without interference.
A. Continued Hindu Religious Practices
- Vrindavan and Varanasi temples flourished during Aurangzeb’s reign.
- Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, and Dussehra were celebrated across the empire.
- Aurangzeb himself issued orders to protect the Hindu temples of Vrindavan.
B. Hindu Pilgrimage and Trade
- Hindus were not restricted from traveling for religious purposes.
- Trade routes to Jagannath Puri, Varanasi, and other pilgrimage sites were secured.
- Aurangzeb allowed Hindu merchants to conduct business without religious discrimination.
3. Economic Growth and Hindu Merchants
Hindus played a major role in the economic prosperity of Aurangzeb’s empire, especially in trade, industry, and finance.
A. Hindu Businessmen and Traders Thrived
- Hindu traders controlled textile, jewelry, and agricultural markets.
- Banias, Marwaris, and Gujarati merchants became wealthier during his reign.
- Aurangzeb promoted cotton, silk, and handicraft industries, where Hindu artisans excelled.
B. Favorable Trade Policies
- Aurangzeb’s empire had one of the largest economies in the world, where Hindu merchants thrived.
- Ports like Surat, Masulipatnam, and Bengal became major trade centers.
- Hindu bankers and moneylenders played a key role in financing Mughal military campaigns.
4. Hindu Zamindars and Landowners
A. Large Hindu Landownership
- Hindu zamindars controlled vast lands under the Mughal system.
- They had autonomy in collecting revenue and running local administration.
B. Reduced Economic Burden
- Although Aurangzeb reimposed Jizya tax, he also abolished unfair taxes like the Hindu pilgrimage tax and trade tax.
- Hindu farmers benefited from new irrigation systems and agricultural policies.
5. Protection of Hindu Cultural Centers
A. Patronage of Temples
- While some temples were destroyed (mostly due to political rebellions), many Hindu temples continued to receive grants.
- Aurangzeb personally donated to temples in Vrindavan and Kamakhya.
- Hindus were allowed to practice their faith openly in most parts of the empire.
B. Hindu Scholars and Artists
- Aurangzeb patronized Hindu musicians, poets, and scholars in his court.
- Pandit Kavindracharya, Bhushan, and other Hindu poets wrote in his court.
- Sanskrit scholars were given royal patronage in Banaras.
6. Law and Order Benefiting Hindus
Aurangzeb’s strict rule ensured peace and stability, which helped Hindu subjects live without fear.
A. Reduction in Corruption
- He enforced anti-corruption policies, which benefited Hindus in administration.
- Hindu peasants and traders were protected from corrupt officials.
B. Security from Bandits and Local Wars
- Under his rule, roads and trade routes were safer.
- He cracked down on dacoits and bandits, ensuring safer business for Hindu traders.
- Law and order helped Hindu communities thrive without local conflicts.
A Balanced Perspective
Although Aurangzeb had strict Islamic policies, his administration was not entirely against Hindus. Many Hindu nobles, traders, and zamindars flourished under his rule, contributing to the empire’s growth. His policies were driven by political needs rather than outright religious discrimination. For many Hindus, Aurangzeb’s reign provided stability, economic opportunities, and administrative roles, making him a ruler they could work with rather than rebel against.
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