Empire Podcast Episode 222: The Downfall of the Mughals

Hosts: William Dalrymple and Anita Anand
Release Date: January 21, 2025
Title: The Downfall of the Mughals (Ep 3)
Podcast: Empire by Goalhanger

Introduction

In Episode 222 of Empire, William Dalrymple and Anita Anand delve into the intricate history of the Mughal Empire, focusing on the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb and examining the factors that led to the empire's eventual decline. Through rich discussions, they explore Aurangzeb's policies, his relationships with various religious communities, internal family conflicts, and the rise of opposition forces like the Marathas.

Aurangzeb: A Divisive Figure

Anita Anand opens the conversation by addressing the contentious legacy of Aurangzeb:

[01:33] Anita Anand: "We are now at a point where the baton is passed to Aurangzeb. Can we have a chat about how very divisive even that name is?"

William Dalrymple concurs, highlighting Aurangzeb's reputation:

[02:14] William Dalrymple: "He is in many ways the most hated figure and the kind of most demonized figure in all of Indian history."

Aurangzeb's identity struggles are emphasized, noting his reluctance to adopt his imperial name, Alemgir, instead remaining commonly known as Aurangzeb, which carries significant cultural and historical baggage.

Policies and Religious Impact

Aurangzeb's reign is often marked by his stringent Islamic policies, which starkly contrasted with his predecessors like Akbar. Anita Anand points out:

[04:04] Anita Anand: "There is a level of cruelty and a reveling in cruelty with Aurangzeb... the jizya attacks, the heavier penalty on Hindu merchants."

Dalrymple adds nuance by acknowledging that while Aurangzeb did support some Hindu and Jain institutions, the overall impact of his policies was detrimental to Hindu-Muslim relations:

[04:04] William Dalrymple: "He is a rather cold, ruthless and unpleasant character. He's hard to love or like."

The imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and the destruction of temples are central themes, contributing to widespread resentment among Hindu communities.

Family Conflicts and Cruelty

A significant part of Aurangzeb's legacy involves his ruthless elimination of rivals within his family. Anita Anand recounts the brutal execution of Dara Shukoh:

[07:13] Anita Anand: "He sits him and parades his son... and ultimately to be executed."

Dalrymple provides context, explaining how these actions not only exemplify Aurangzeb's cruelty but also sowed seeds of discord that would plague the empire:

[07:27] William Dalrymple: "What distinguishes Aurangzeb is that he manages to alienate the Hindu subjects and the Hindu allies."

Impact on Religious Communities

The execution of Tegh Bahadur, a revered Sikh guru, is highlighted as a pivotal moment that fueled lasting animosity towards Aurangzeb:

[24:19] Anita Anand: "He was executed and he was... kept prisoner, tortured, and then executed for standing up to Aurangzeb."

This event solidified Aurangzeb's image as a tyrant in Sikh history, fostering a legacy of resistance that would later influence regional dynamics and rebellions.

Deccan Campaigns: Prolonged Struggle

Aurangzeb's extensive campaigns in the Deccan Peninsula are identified as a critical factor in stretching the Mughal Empire thin:

[21:42] Anita Anand: "The Deccan campaigns... Aurangzeb spends the rest of his life in Aurangabad."

Dalrymple elaborates on how these decades-long wars drained resources and exposed the empire to internal and external threats:

[33:32] William Dalrymple: "Shivaji leads them to attack the incredibly wealthy Mughal port of Surat... an unprecedented moment in Mughal history."

These campaigns not only weakened Mughal military capabilities but also emboldened regional powers to challenge imperial authority.

Rise of the Marathas

Central to the decline of the Mughal Empire was the emergence of the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji Bhosle. Anita Anand explains:

[32:02] Anita Anand: "Shivaji Bosley is a charismatic Maratha Hindu warlord... they attack the communication lines."

Dalrymple underscores Shivaji's guerrilla tactics and strategic assaults on key Mughal strongholds, emphasizing his role as a formidable adversary:

[32:50] William Dalrymple: "They avoid pitch battles... attack communication lines."

Shivaji's successful raids on Surat, a key economic and strategic port, exemplify the Marathas' growing strength and undermining of Mughal dominance.

Aurangzeb’s Later Years and Death

As Aurangzeb aged, his realization of the empire's fragmentation became evident. Dalrymple shares excerpts from Aurangzeb's reflective letters:

[40:39] William Dalrymple: "I came alone and I go a stranger... Life is transient."

These personal reflections reveal a ruler aware of his failures and the unintended consequences of his policies, highlighting a melancholic end to a once-mighty emperor.

Anita Anand describes Aurangzeb's austere final days:

[42:51] Anita Anand: "He decides to be buried in a simple grave open to the skies... Kuldabad, in the middle of the Deccan."

This choice symbolizes his detachment from the opulence of his predecessors and his continued estrangement from the diverse populations he ruled.

Aftermath: Disintegration of the Mughal Empire

Aurangzeb's death in 1707 marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire's rapid decline. Dalrymple narrates the ensuing chaos:

[45:13] William Dalrymple: "...war among his descendants, each seeking to pull down the other."

The lack of strong leadership and continuous internal conflicts led to the fragmentation of the empire into smaller, often rival, states. This disunity created a power vacuum that the British East India Company adeptly exploited:

[47:23] Anita Anand: "The disunity creates the vacuum that leaves the door open to the East India Company."

With weakened central authority, the British were able to establish dominance, leading to the eventual colonization of India.

Conclusion

Episode 222 of Empire provides a comprehensive exploration of Emperor Aurangzeb's reign and its profound impact on the Mughal Empire's downfall. Through detailed discussions, Dalrymple and Anand illustrate how Aurangzeb's policies, personal vendettas, and prolonged military campaigns undermined the foundations of an empire that had once dominated the Indian subcontinent. The rise of regional powers like the Marathas and the ensuing disintegration of Mughal authority set the stage for colonial intervention, reshaping India's historical trajectory.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Anita Anand [02:14]: "He is in many ways the most hated figure and the kind of most demonized figure in all of Indian history."

• William Dalrymple [04:04]: "He is a rather cold, ruthless and unpleasant character. He's hard to love or like."

• Anita Anand [07:13]: "He sits him and parades his son... and ultimately to be executed."

• Anita Anand [24:19]: "He was executed and he was... kept prisoner, tortured, and then executed for standing up to Aurangzeb."

• William Dalrymple [33:32]: "Shivaji leads them to attack the incredibly wealthy Mughal port of Surat... an unprecedented moment in Mughal history."

• William Dalrymple [40:39]: "I came alone and I go a stranger... Life is transient."

This episode serves as a critical examination of how Aurangzeb's governance and personal choices precipitated the decline of one of history's most significant empires, offering listeners deep insights into the complexities of power, religion, and resistance.