A comprehensive overview of the last phase of Aurangzeb's reign and its ramifications for the Marathas and Deccan.
Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaigns Against the Marathas
The Mughal campaigns against the Marathas during 1687–1707 represent the most crucial phase of Aurangzeb’s Deccan wars. After conquering Bijapur and Golconda, Aurangzeb turned his full might against the Marathas under Sambhaji and Rajaram. These conflicts drained imperial resources, exposed Mughal weaknesses, and became a turning point in medieval Indian history. For students, this topic is vital to understand the decline of the Mughal Empire, rise of Maratha power, and the strategic failures of Aurangzeb.
Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns Against the Marathas (1687–1707)
After Bijapur and Golconda fell in 1687, Aurangzeb concentrated on subduing the Marathas, but instead of victory, the empire faced decades of resistance.
The Mughal emperor encountered fierce opposition from Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and later Rajaram, whose guerrilla tactics stretched Mughal armies thin and drained resources.
(i) 1687: Full Mughal focus shifted to crushing Maratha power.
(ii) 1689: Execution of Sambhaji became a rallying cry for resistance.
(iii) Rajaram reorganized the struggle from Jinji, ensuring continuity of Maratha defiance.
Sambhaji’s Resistance and Execution (1687–1689)
Sambhaji, son of Shivaji, led aggressive campaigns against the Mughals, but his capture in 1689 failed to end Maratha defiance.
Sambhaji’s Challenges to Mughal Authority
(i) Attacked Burhanpur and Aurangabad to undermine Mughal control.
(ii) Sheltered Prince Akbar, Aurangzeb’s rebellious son.
(iii) His capture at Sangameshwar (1689) and execution backfired, uniting Marathas.
Maratha Unity After Sambhaji’s Death
(a) Rajaram assumed leadership and intensified guerrilla warfare.
(b) Marathas attacked Mughal supply lines and forts.
(c) Resistance spread throughout the Deccan despite Mughal pressure.
Rajaram’s Resistance from Jinji (1690–1698)
Rajaram shifted the war front to Jinji (Tamil Nadu), forcing Aurangzeb to fight prolonged sieges on two fronts.
The Defense of Jinji
(i) Rajaram escaped to Jinji and built a new resistance base.
(ii) Mughal forces besieged Jinji for nearly 8 years (1690–1698).
(iii) Even after Jinji’s fall, Rajaram escaped, prolonging the struggle.
Guerrilla Tactics and Recovery of Forts
(a) Marathas raided Mughal territories, forcing Aurangzeb into constant pursuit.
(b) Several forts were recaptured by Marathas, frustrating Mughal expansion.
(c) Rajaram’s return to Satara reinvigorated Maratha leadership.
Aurangzeb’s Long Struggle and Mughal Demoralization (1700–1705)
Despite personal involvement in campaigns, Aurangzeb faced repeated setbacks against entrenched Maratha forces.
Fort Sieges and Losses
(i) Mughals conducted costly sieges between 1700–1705.
(ii) Natural disasters and diseases worsened army morale.
(iii) Secret pacts emerged between Mughal nobles and Marathas.
Failed Diplomacy with Shahu (1703)
(a) Aurangzeb offered to release Shahu, Sambhaji’s son, and recognize Maratha rights.
(b) Agreement collapsed as Aurangzeb feared treachery.
(c) The failed talks deepened mistrust between the two sides.
Retreat and Decline of Aurangzeb’s Rule (1706–1707)
Aurangzeb realized the futility of endless wars, but by then the Mughal Empire had been weakened beyond repair.
(i) 1706: Aurangzeb began retreating to Aurangabad after costly failures.
(ii) 1707: His death left the empire fractured and vulnerable.
(iii) Marathas rose as the dominant force in India, while the Mughal decline accelerated.
Summary of Aurangzeb’s Struggles with the Marathas
The Maratha-Mughal conflict (1687–1707) exposed the limits of Aurangzeb’s expansionist policies. Despite victories at Bijapur and Golconda, the emperor failed to subdue the Marathas. The execution of Sambhaji (1689) only strengthened Maratha unity under Rajaram. Prolonged campaigns drained resources, eroded Mughal credibility, and created a power vacuum later exploited by the British. For students, this period explains the roots of Mughal decline and the rise of regional powers in Indian history.
