Popular Revolts and Movements for Regional Independence

Popular Revolts and Movements for Regional Independence During the Mughal Era

Political Problems under Aurangzeb: Challenges to Mughal Authority

During his reign, Aurangzeb faced numerous political challenges, including:

The Marathas in the Deccan
The Jats and Rajputs in north India
The Afghans and Sikhs in the northwest

Some of these issues were inherited, but they intensified under his rule.

Nature of the Independence Movements: Diverse Motivations

Each movement had unique characteristics:

The Rajput movement often centered on succession disputes.
The Maratha movement aimed for regional independence.
The Jat movement arose from peasant-agrarian conflicts.
The Afghan struggle was tribal, seeking a separate state.
The Sikh movement was deeply influenced by religion.
The Jat and Sikh movements eventually led to independent states.

Influences on the Uprisings: Economic, Social, and Religious Factors

Several factors contributed to these uprisings:

Economic and social grievances fueled many revolts.
Religion was crucial, especially in the Sikh movement.
Some historians link these revolts (except the Afghan) to Aurangzeb’s religious policies.
In a largely Hindu country, opposition to Mughal authority often had religious undertones.
Movement leaders often used religious symbols for mobilization.

Key Revolts and Movements: A Closer Look

Jat Rebellion: Agrarian Unrest and Resistance

The Jats, mainly peasant cultivators from the Agra-Delhi region, frequently clashed with the Mughal administration over land revenue.

Early conflicts occurred during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan.
In 1669, under Gokla’s leadership, the Jats of Mathura rebelled. Aurangzeb personally led a campaign, defeating and executing Gokla.
In 1685, Rajaram led a second rebellion, using guerrilla tactics. It lasted until 1691, when Rajaram and his successor, Churaman, surrendered.
Despite suppression, Jat unrest continued. In the 18th century, Churaman established an independent Jat principality.

Satnami Revolt: A Religious and Social Uprising

In 1672, the Satnamis, a religious group of peasants and lower-caste workers (goldsmiths, carpenters, tanners), rebelled near Narnaul (Mathura).

Afghan Resistance: Tribal Aspirations for Independence

The Afghan tribes in the mountains continuously resisted Mughal rule.

Akbar had also faced Afghan resistance, losing Raja Birbal.
The Afghan uprisings were driven by economic, political, and religious factors.
Aurangzeb deployed Amir Khan to secure the Khyber Pass, who suppressed the rebellion.

Sikh Resistance: From Peaceful Sect to Military Brotherhood

Initially, Sikh Gurus maintained peaceful relations with the Mughals. Conflicts arose later.

By the late 17th century, Sikh Gurus lived in royal style with armed followers.
In 1675, Guru Tegh Bahadur was executed in Delhi under Aurangzeb’s orders, causing resentment.
Guru Gobind Singh transformed the Sikh movement into a military brotherhood.

Rajput Struggles: A Deteriorating Alliance

The long-standing Rajput-Mughal alliance deteriorated under Aurangzeb.

Jahangir and Shah Jahan maintained good relations with Rajputs, though Shah Jahan reduced their influence.
In 1679, Aurangzeb’s campaign against Mewar failed.
The Rajputs' guerrilla tactics frustrated the Mughals, creating a stalemate.
Aurangzeb’s handling of the Rajput states weakened Mughal prestige.