How long was the reign of Aurangzeb on the Mughal Empire? 

The correct answer is 1658-1707.

Key Points

• Aurangzeb reigned as the Mughal emperor from 1658 to 1707, making him one of the longest-reigning Mughal emperors.
• He ascended the throne after a decisive victory in the war of succession against his brothers.
• Aurangzeb's reign lasted for 49 years, during which he expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent.
• His rule is noted for its military conquests as well as its religious policies, which included imposing the jizya tax on non-Muslims.

Additional Information

• War of Succession:
  • After the illness of Shah Jahan, a war of succession broke out among his sons: Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad Baksh.
  • Aurangzeb emerged victorious and imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort until his death.
• Expansion:
  • Under Aurangzeb, the Mughal Empire expanded to cover nearly the entire Indian subcontinent, including the Deccan and South India.
  • His relentless military campaigns led to the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda.
• Religious Policies:
  • Aurangzeb is known for his conservative and orthodox Sunni Islam policies.
  • He reinstated the jizya tax on non-Muslims, which had been abolished by Akbar, and destroyed several Hindu temples, which created significant discord.
• Economic Policies:
  • Despite his military expenditures, Aurangzeb's administration managed to maintain a stable and prosperous economy.
  • He implemented agrarian reforms and increased revenue through efficient tax collection mechanisms.
• Legacy:
  • Aurangzeb's reign is marked by both the zenith of Mughal territorial expansion and the beginning of its decline.
  • His strict religious policies and prolonged military campaigns exhausted the empire's resources, leading to internal strife and weakening central control.