Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor, was a towering figure in Indian history whose reign shaped the subcontinent for nearly five decades. Known for his military conquests and strict Islamic policies, his death in 1707 marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire’s decline. How did Aurangzeb die, and what circumstances surrounded his final moments? This blog delves into the details of his passing, exploring how did Aurangzeb die and its profound impact on India, offering a comprehensive look at the end of an era.
Aurangzeb’s Life and Reign
Born on November 3, 1618, Aurangzeb’s full name was Abu’l Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir. He ascended the throne in 1658 after a brutal succession war with his brothers, ruling until 1707. Many wonder how did Aurangzeb die after such a long and tumultuous reign. His time as emperor was marked by vast territorial expansion, religious reforms, and relentless military campaigns. These efforts, however, strained the empire’s resources and sowed seeds of unrest that unraveled after his demise. At 88 years old, Aurangzeb was one of the longest-living Mughal emperors, a testament to his resilience despite a life spent largely on the battlefield.
Table of Key Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abu’l Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir |
| Birth Date | November 3, 1618 |
| Reign | 1658–1707 |
| Death Date | March 3, 1707 |
| Age at Death | 88 years |
| Cause of Death | Old age, illness, exhaustion from campaigns |
| Location of Death | Ahmednagar, Maharashtra |
| Burial Place | Khuldabad, simple grave |
| Burial Cost | 14 rupees and 12 annas, paid by stitching caps |
| Impact | Empire decline, internal conflicts, regional rise |
The Cause of Aurangzeb’s Death
So, how did Aurangzeb die? Historical records point to natural causes, primarily old age compounded by prolonged illness. By his late 80s, Aurangzeb’s health had deteriorated significantly after decades of military campaigns, especially in the Deccan against the Marathas. These efforts left him physically exhausted, and sources suggest he suffered from weakness, possibly a prolonged fever, and age-related ailments. Unlike many Mughal rulers who met violent ends, how did Aurangzeb die stands out as a quieter event—significant, yet devoid of drama. In his last years, stationed in Ahmednagar, he reflected on his empire, with letters to his sons revealing a man burdened by regret over policies that destabilized his realm.
How Did Aurangzeb Die: The Final Moments
How did Aurangzeb die in his final moments? His death was the culmination of a lifetime of strain. While no single disease is definitively named, the combination of old age, exhaustion, and a weakened constitution likely led to his passing. Some sources hint at a prolonged fever or organ failure—common for someone of his age in the 18th century. His body, worn out from decades of horseback campaigns, gave up. What makes how did Aurangzeb die unique is its simplicity: no assassinations or battlefield heroics, just a quiet fade into history that unleashed chaos afterward.
The Burial of a Mughal Emperor
Aurangzeb passed away in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, where he had been overseeing military operations. How did Aurangzeb die so far from the grandeur of his predecessors’ courts? It reflected the austere life he embraced later on. After his death, he was buried in Khuldabad, near Aurangabad, in a simple grave—unlike the grand mausoleums of emperors like Akbar or Shah Jahan. Remarkably, he paid for his burial himself, using money earned from stitching caps in his final days, costing just 14 rupees and 12 annas. This humble end sheds light on how did Aurangzeb die with a desire for simplicity.
The Final Years: A Ruler’s Decline
Aurangzeb’s final years were marked by exhaustion. By 1705, at 86, he had concluded his campaigns in the Deccan, locked in a struggle with the Marathas that drained the empire’s resources. How did Aurangzeb die amidst such turmoil? His health faltered as the empire’s stability waned. Retreating to Ahmednagar, he spent his last two years reflecting. Letters to his sons Azam Shah and Kam Bakhsh reveal his fears: “I came alone and I go as a stranger,” he wrote, lamenting his legacy. How did Aurangzeb die with such regret? His writings show a ruler facing mortality with resignation.
Circumstances Surrounding His Final Days
Delving deeper into how did Aurangzeb die, his death followed years of relentless strain. The Maratha campaigns, in particular, took a toll, leaving him frail by 1705. In Ahmednagar, he wrote of his empire’s fragility, aware his successors might not hold it together. How did Aurangzeb die without a dramatic end? His passing was natural, likely from exhaustion and age, a stark contrast to the violent deaths of other Mughals. This quiet exit belied the storm that followed, reshaping India’s future.
The Impact of Aurangzeb’s Death on the Mughal Empire
How did Aurangzeb die, and what did it mean for his empire? His death in 1707 left the Mughals vulnerable. His sons plunged into a succession war—Azam Shah, Muazzam (later Bahadur Shah I), and others weakening the empire from within. The Marathas, whom he fought tirelessly, rose in western India, while the British East India Company gained ground in the east. His strict policies, like the jizya tax and temple destruction, had alienated many, leaving a fractured realm. Within decades, the Mughal Empire shrank, paving the way for British rule. How did Aurangzeb die and trigger such decline? His absence exposed the empire’s fragility.
Aurangzeb’s Legacy: A Controversial Figure
Aurangzeb remains polarizing. To some, he was a devout ruler; to others, a tyrant whose intolerance sowed discord. How did Aurangzeb die with such a mixed legacy? His simple grave in Khuldabad symbolizes his complexity—humble yet resolute. Historians weigh his military achievements against the instability he left behind, a debate his death didn’t settle.
FAQ Section: All About Aurangzeb’s Death
1. What is the cause of Aurangzeb’s death?
Aurangzeb, the Mughal Emperor, passed away due to illness. He had been suffering from a long-term illness for some time before his death.
2. Where did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb died in Aurangabad, a city in Maharashtra, India. It is said that he spent his last days in a small, simple room there.
3. When did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707. He was around 88 years old at the time of his death.
4. How did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb’s death was caused by natural reasons, most likely from the effects of illness. After ruling for so many years, his health weakened, and he passed away quietly.
5. What age did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb passed away at the age of 88, which was quite old for that time.
6. Who killed Aurangzeb?
Aurangzeb was not killed. He died of natural causes due to illness after ruling for many years.
7. Why did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb died because of health problems. His illness worsened over time, leading to his death. There is no evidence to suggest he died for any other reason.
8. How did Aurangzeb die in detail?
Aurangzeb spent his last days feeling weak due to poor health. It is believed that his illness gradually led to his death, and he passed away quietly without much struggle.
9. When did Aurangzeb die in history?
Aurangzeb passed away in 1707, marking the end of his long reign as the Mughal Emperor.
10. Where did Aurangzeb die exactly?
Aurangzeb passed away in Aurangabad, which is in Maharashtra, India. He spent his final days in this city.
11. Did Aurangzeb die before Sambhaji Maharaj?
No, Aurangzeb died after Sambhaji Maharaj. Sambhaji, the son of Shivaji Maharaj, was executed by Aurangzeb in 1689, while Aurangzeb died in 1707, much later.
12. At what place did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb died in Aurangabad, a place in Maharashtra, India, where he spent his last days.
13. What was the exact reason for Aurangzeb’s death?
The exact cause of Aurangzeb’s death is not completely clear, but historians agree that it was a natural death due to illness after a long and hard life as an emperor.
14. Was Aurangzeb’s death sudden?
No, Aurangzeb’s death was not sudden. He had been sick for a long time, and his health gradually worsened before he passed away.
15. How and when did Aurangzeb die?
Aurangzeb passed away in 1707 due to a long-term illness that left him weak and frail, leading to his natural death.
16. What caused Aurangzeb’s death?
The main cause of Aurangzeb’s death was his health condition. It was most likely due to a combination of old age and illness.
17. Did Aurangzeb die in battle?
No, Aurangzeb did not die in battle. He passed away peacefully after a prolonged illness.
18. Where was Aurangzeb buried?
Aurangzeb was buried in Aurangabad in a simple grave, in accordance with his wishes. His tomb is still there today.
19. What were Aurangzeb’s last words?
Aurangzeb’s last words are not recorded in history, but it is known that he died quietly in his room.
20. What was the role of Aurangzeb’s death in Indian history?
Aurangzeb’s death marked the end of the Mughal Empire’s peak. After his death, the empire started to weaken, leading to internal struggles and the rise of other regional powers.
21. Did Aurangzeb die of poisoning?
No, there is no evidence that Aurangzeb was poisoned. His death was due to natural causes, most likely illness.
Conclusion
How did Aurangzeb die? He passed away on March 3, 1707, at 88, in Ahmednagar, Maharashtra, succumbing to natural causes after a life of conquest. His death marked the end of an era, triggering the Mughal Empire’s decline and the rise of new powers. From his final reflections to his modest burial, how did Aurangzeb die offers a window into a ruler whose ambitions shaped history—and whose passing reshaped it even more.
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