How Was Aurangzeb Died: The Final Days of the Mughal Emperor

The question “how was Aurangzeb died” leads us to examine the twilight years of one of India’s most controversial rulers. Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir, the sixth Mughal ruler, passed away on March 3, 1707, after a 49-year reign that dramatically shaped the subcontinent’s history. His death marked the beginning of the Mughal Empire’s decline, making his final days particularly significant for historians. This article explores how was Aurangzeb died, his health conditions, the political climate at the time, and the immediate aftermath of his passing.

Table of Contents

• Aurangzeb’s Final Years and Declining Health
• The Cause of Aurangzeb’s Death
• Aurangzeb’s Last Days: Accounts from History
• Funeral and Burial at Khuldabad
• Aftermath and Historical Legacy
• Conclusion: Why Aurangzeb’s Death Matters

Aurangzeb’s Final Years and Declining Health

By the early 1700s, Emperor Aurangzeb was in his late eighties – an extraordinary age for the 17th century. His physical decline mirrored the growing instability of the Mughal Empire he had ruled since 1658. Contemporary accounts describe how:

• He suffered from chronic health issues including severe arthritis
• His eyesight was failing
• He maintained a spartan lifestyle despite his imperial status
• Continued military campaigns took a toll on his aging body

The Deccan Campaigns and Physical Toll

Aurangzeb spent the last 26 years of his life in the Deccan region, engaged in continuous warfare against the Marathas. This prolonged military campaign:

1. Drained the imperial treasury
2. Weakened Mughal military strength
3. Left the emperor physically exhausted
4. Contributed to his deteriorating health

The Cause of Aurangzeb’s Death

Historical records indicate that how was Aurangzeb died relates to natural causes associated with extreme old age. The primary factors included:

1. Fever and Infection: Aurangzeb contracted a severe fever in February 1707 that progressively worsened.

2. General Physical Decline: At 88 years old, his body simply wore out after decades of campaigning and austere living.

3. Possible Complications: Some accounts suggest dysentery or other age-related illnesses contributed to his demise.

Aurangzeb’s Last Days: Accounts from History

The emperor’s final weeks provide fascinating insights into his character and the circumstances of how was Aurangzeb died. Key events included:

Preparations for Death

Aurangzeb, ever the meticulous ruler, made careful preparations as he sensed his end approaching:

• He wrote heartfelt letters to his sons advising them on governance
• Distributed alms to the poor from his personal funds
• Continued attending to state affairs until his final days
• Personally copied the Quran during his illness

The Final Hours

On March 3, 1707, after a three-week illness, Aurangzeb passed away in his military camp at Ahmednagar. Historical accounts describe:

1. He refused elaborate medical treatment, accepting his fate
2. Maintained his prayer routine until becoming too weak
3. Died with minimal possessions, consistent with his austere life
4. Left instructions for a simple burial

Funeral and Burial at Khuldabad

True to his wishes, Aurangzeb received a remarkably modest funeral for a Mughal emperor. Key aspects included:

Burial Site: He was interred in a simple grave at Khuldabad, near the shrine of Sufi saint Shaikh Burhan-ud-din Gharib.

Tomb Simplicity: Unlike his predecessors’ grand mausoleums, Aurangzeb’s grave:

• Has no elaborate structure
• Features only a simple marble slab
• Cost just 14 rupees and 12 annas to construct
• Reflects his personal rejection of royal extravagance

Aftermath and Historical Legacy

The question of how was Aurangzeb died cannot be separated from its historical consequences:

Immediate Succession Crisis

Aurangzeb’s death triggered a war of succession among his sons:

1. Prince Muazzam emerged victorious as Bahadur Shah I
2. The conflict further weakened the Mughal state
3. Marked the beginning of rapid imperial decline

Long-Term Historical Impact

Aurangzeb’s passing represents a watershed moment in Indian history:

• Last effective ruler of the Mughal Empire
• His death accelerated regional powers’ rise
• Created power vacuum filled by the British eventually
• Remains one of India’s most debated historical figures

Conclusion: Why Aurangzeb’s Death Matters

Understanding how was Aurangzeb died provides crucial insights into:

• The limits of imperial power in early modern India
• The personal character of this complex ruler
• The transition point between medieval and colonial India

For history enthusiasts, Aurangzeb’s death represents more than just the end of a life – it symbolizes the closing of an era. His simple grave at Khuldabad stands as a powerful contrast to the Taj Mahal built by his grandfather, reflecting the contradictions that defined his reign and legacy.

Want to learn more about Mughal history? Explore our detailed articles on Shah Jahan’s architectural legacy or the rise of the Maratha Empire after Aurangzeb’s death.