Immediate Cause of Rebellion. Offensive and Support. Retreat and Further Conflict. Resolution and Aftermath. Role of Nur JahanEarly Life and Marriage. Family Influence and Political Rise. Role in Governance and Administration. Cultural Contributions and Legacy. Relationship with Jahangir and Shah JahanPolitical and Administrative Developments. Jahangir's Reign and Challenges. Nur Jahan's Influence and Succession Issues.
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Aurangzeb, the Marathas, and the Deccan—The Last Phase (1687-1707)
After the fall of Bijapur and Golconda, Aurangzeb focused his forces on the Marathas.
In 1689, Sambhaji was captured at his hideout in Sangameshwar, paraded before Aurangzeb, and executed. This political mistake provided the Marathas with a new cause.
Rajaram, Sambhaji's younger brother, was crowned king and continued resistance from Jinji, spreading Maratha resistance across the Deccan.
Aurangzeb was at the height of his power after triumphing over his enemies.
Some nobles suggested he return to north India or leave Karnataka to vassal rulers of Bijapur and Golconda. Aurangzeb rejected these suggestions and imprisoned his son Shah Alam for negotiating with Deccani rulers.
Convinced that Maratha power was crushed, he focused on annexing the rich Karnataka tract, overextending his communications and administration.
Aurangzeb refused to negotiate with the Marathas, besieging Jinji where Rajaram sought refuge.
Jinji fell in 1698, but Rajaram escaped. Maratha resistance grew, and the Mughals suffered serious reverses, with many forts recaptured by the Marathas.
Rajaram returned to Satara, continuing Maratha resistance.
From 1700 to 1705, Aurangzeb dragged his weary body from one fort siege to another.
Floods, disease, and Maratha attacks took a toll on the Mughal army, leading to demoralization among nobles and secret pacts with Marathas by many jagirdars.
Opening Negotiations and Cancelled Arrangements (1703)
In 1703, Aurangzeb opened negotiations with the Marathas, offering to release Shahu, Sambhaji's son, and grant him Shivaji's swarajya and sardeshmukhi rights over the Deccan.
Despite 70 Maratha sardars assembling to receive Shahu, Aurangzeb cancelled the arrangements last minute, doubting Maratha intentions.
Retreat to Aurangabad and Aurangzeb's Death (1706-1707)
By 1706, Aurangzeb recognized the futility of capturing all Maratha forts, slowly retreating to Aurangabad while the Maratha army attacked stragglers.
Aurangzeb died in 1707, leaving behind a distracted empire with escalating internal problems.
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