How Did Aurangzeb Die: The Final Days of the Mughal Emperor

The question “how did Aurangzeb died” has intrigued historians and scholars for centuries. Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled over the Indian subcontinent for nearly 50 years, leaving behind a complex legacy. His death marked the beginning of the decline of the mighty Mughal Empire. In this article, we explore the circumstances surrounding Aurangzeb’s death, his final days, and the impact of his passing on the empire he ruled with an iron fist.

Table of Contents

• Aurangzeb’s Final Years and Declining Health
• The Cause of Aurangzeb’s Death
• Aurangzeb’s Final Days and Last Words
• The Aftermath: Empire After Aurangzeb’s Death
• Aurangzeb’s Controversial Legacy

Aurangzeb’s Final Years and Declining Health

By the early 1700s, Emperor Aurangzeb was in his late 80s – an extraordinary age for that period. His advanced years were taking a toll on his health and ability to govern effectively. Several factors contributed to his physical decline:

• Continuous military campaigns: Even in his old age, Aurangzeb led exhausting military expeditions
• Austere lifestyle: His self-imposed simple living may have weakened his constitution
• Stress of governance: Managing an empire in turmoil drained his energy
• Lack of proper medical care: 18th century medicine couldn’t address age-related ailments effectively

The Cause of Aurangzeb’s Death

Historical records indicate that Aurangzeb died from natural causes related to old age. While the exact medical diagnosis isn’t available from 18th century sources, contemporary accounts describe symptoms consistent with what we would now call:

1. Severe fever and infections
2. Possible organ failure due to advanced age
3. General physical deterioration

Unlike some of his predecessors who died violent deaths, Aurangzeb’s passing was relatively peaceful, occurring after a prolonged illness in his camp during a military campaign in the Deccan.

Aurangzeb’s Final Days and Last Words

The emperor’s final days provide fascinating insights into his character and state of mind. As his health failed in early 1707, Aurangzeb:

• Continued to attend to state affairs from his sickbed
• Wrote poignant letters to his sons expressing regret about his life choices
• Reportedly stitched prayer caps to earn money for his funeral

His famous last words, as recorded by historians, were: “I came alone and I go as a stranger. I do not know who I am, nor what I have been doing.” This melancholic statement reflects the introspection of a ruler who had spent nearly five decades in power.

The Death Date and Location

Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707 (20th Zil Hijja, 1118 AH) at the age of 88 in Ahmednagar, Deccan (present-day Maharashtra). His death occurred during his long military campaign against the Maratha forces, demonstrating his commitment to military affairs until the very end.

The Aftermath: Empire After Aurangzeb’s Death

The death of Aurangzeb marked a turning point in Mughal history. The immediate consequences included:

1. War of succession: His sons immediately began fighting for the throne
2. Administrative collapse: The centralized system began failing without his strong hand
3. Rise of regional powers: Groups like the Marathas gained strength
4. Financial crisis: The empire’s treasury was depleted from constant warfare

Historians generally consider Aurangzeb’s death as the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire, which would never again reach the heights of power it enjoyed during his reign.

Aurangzeb’s Controversial Legacy

Aurangzeb remains one of the most debated figures in Indian history. His death closed a significant chapter, but left behind:

• Religious policies: His Islamic orthodoxy alienated many subjects
• Military achievements: He expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent
• Administrative records: His meticulous documentation provides valuable historical insights
• Personal contradictions: A complex mix of piety and political ruthlessness

Burial and Tomb

In keeping with his austere nature, Aurangzeb requested a simple burial. His tomb in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, is remarkably modest compared to the grand Mughal mausoleums like the Taj Mahal. This reflects his personal rejection of the opulence favored by earlier Mughal rulers.

Conclusion: Understanding How Aurangzeb Died

The question “how did Aurangzeb died” reveals more than just medical facts – it opens a window into the end of an era. Aurangzeb’s death from natural causes at an advanced age concluded one of the longest reigns in Mughal history, but also set in motion the empire’s eventual collapse. His passing reminds us that even the most powerful rulers are mortal, and that legacies are often more complex than the lives that create them.

For those interested in learning more about this pivotal period in Indian history, we recommend visiting historical sites associated with Aurangzeb or exploring primary sources from his reign. What aspects of Aurangzeb’s life and death do you find most fascinating? Share your thoughts in the comments below.