Aurangzeb's Strategy and the Deccan States (1658-1687)
Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaigns
The Mughal campaigns in the Deccan under Aurangzeb highlight one of the most significant military and political struggles in 17th century India. Covering the period from 1636 to 1707, these campaigns involved conflicts with Bijapur, Golconda, and especially the Marathas under Shivaji. For students and competitive exam aspirants, understanding these campaigns provides insights into Mughal military strategy, alliances, and the economic challenges of empire-building.
Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy was shaped by territorial ambitions, strategic alliances, and prolonged conflicts with the Marathas.
The Mughal emperor focused on recovering lost territories, countering the rise of Shivaji, and consolidating control over Bijapur and Golconda, but his efforts brought heavy economic and political costs.
(i) Initial focus on Bijapur and former Ahmadnagar lands as per the 1636 treaty.
(ii) Strategic attempts to avoid direct confrontation through limited campaigns.
(iii) Escalation of conflicts due to the rise of the Marathas under Shivaji.
Aurangzeb’s Initial Conquests in the Deccan (Until 1668)
Focused on recovering former Ahmadnagar territories from Bijapur without waging a full-scale war.
Ahmadnagar-Bijapur Relations
(i) Aurangzeb invoked the 1636 treaty to claim Ahmadnagar lands under Bijapur.
(ii) His strategy emphasized reclaiming territory without immediate conquest.
(iii) Early campaigns established Mughal footholds in the Deccan.
Strategic Alliances and Conflicts in the Deccan (Until 1684)
The Mughal state balanced alliances with Bijapur and Golconda to weaken Maratha influence led by Shivaji.
Maratha Threat under Shivaji
(i) The Marathas emerged as the strongest Deccan power by the mid-17th century.
(ii) Shivaji’s campaigns challenged Mughal dominance across western India.
(iii) Aurangzeb sought alliances to contain Maratha expansion.
Mughal Alliances with Bijapur and Golconda
(a) Aurangzeb attempted to ally with Bijapur and Golconda against the Marathas.
(b) These alliances were fragile and often temporary.
(c) Mughal policy aimed at weakening Deccani states while confronting the Marathas.
Decisive Mughal Strategy Against the Marathas (After 1684)
Shifting from alliances to direct conquest, Aurangzeb targeted Bijapur and Golconda to eliminate Maratha resistance.
Campaigns Against Bijapur and Golconda
(i) Aurangzeb abandoned Shah Jahan’s 1636 treaty.
(ii) Both Bijapur and Golconda faced heavy Mughal pressure by 1657–58.
(iii) Their eventual subjugation opened direct confrontation with the Marathas.
Economic and Political Impact of Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns
The long wars strained Mughal resources and undermined political credibility.
Financial Burden on the Mughal Empire
(i) Revenues from Deccan territories could not sustain Mughal forces.
(ii) Support had to be diverted from Malwa and Gujarat.
(iii) Campaigns drained the imperial treasury without decisive outcomes.
(c) Even after twenty-five years, Aurangzeb failed to subdue the Marathas fully.
Summary of Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns
The Mughal campaigns in the Deccan under Aurangzeb (1636–1707) highlight the limits of imperial expansion. Despite conquering Bijapur and Golconda, the empire struggled against the Marathas under Shivaji. Prolonged wars drained the Mughal treasury and eroded political credibility. For students, this topic is vital for understanding medieval Indian history, Mughal strategies, and the roots of empire decline.
