Aurangzeb's Strategy and the Deccan States (1658-1687)

Initial Conquests: Aurangzeb's Campaign in the Deccan (Until 1668)

• Aurangzeb focused on reclaiming territories from Bijapur that were previously part of the Ahmadnagar state, based on the treaty of 1636.
• His strategy emphasized recovering these lands without initiating a large-scale military invasion.

Strategic Alliances and Conflicts: Deccan Warfare (Until 1684)

• The primary threat in the Deccan came from the Marathas, particularly under the leadership of Shivaji.
• Aurangzeb sought to forge alliances with Bijapur and Golconda to counter the Maratha influence.
• The Mughals aimed to gradually undermine the Deccani states to establish complete control over the region.

Decisive Actions: The Mughal Strategy Against the Marathas (After 1684)

• Faced with ongoing resistance from the Marathas, Aurangzeb determined that conquering Bijapur and Golconda was essential.
• Shah Jahan's previous treaty of 1636 was set aside as Aurangzeb sought to eliminate the Maratha threat.
• By 1657-58, both Bijapur and Golconda were under significant pressure, with substantial losses incurred.

Economic and Political Implications of Aurangzeb's Campaigns

• Aurangzeb justified his military campaigns by highlighting Bijapur and Golconda's conquests in Karnataka.
• The high costs of maintaining Mughal forces in the Deccan were not offset by the limited revenues from the conquered territories.
• Financial support was required from Malwa and Gujarat to sustain Mughal operations in the Deccan.
• Inconsistent policies eroded trust in Mughal treaties, fostering resistance among the Deccani states.
• Despite efforts spanning over twenty-five years, Aurangzeb's campaigns yielded limited success against the Marathas.