Explore the Jat, Afghan, and Sikh movements during the Mughal Empire’s disintegration. Learn about political developments, the War of Succession, and the role of regional forces in shaping Indian history.
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Popular Revolts and Movements for Regional Independence
Political Problems under Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb faced numerous political problems, including the Marathas in the Deccan, the Jats and Rajputs in north India, and the Afghans and Sikhs in the northwest.
Some of these problems were inherited from his predecessors but assumed different characters under Aurangzeb.
Nature of the Movements
The Rajput movement was primarily a problem of succession.
The Maratha movement focused on local independence.
The Jat movement had a peasant-agrarian background.
The Sikh movement had a powerful religious element.
Both the Jat and Sikh movements culminated in the establishment of independent regional states.
The Afghan struggle was tribal but also driven by the sentiment of establishing a separate Afghan state.
Economic and Social Factors
Economic and social factors, along with the sentiment of regional independence, were major drivers of these movements.
Religion also played an undeniable role in shaping these movements.
Religion and Societal Movements
It has been argued that these movements, excluding the Afghan one, represented a Hindu reaction against Aurangzeb’s narrow religious policies.
In a predominantly Hindu country, any movement against the Muslim central government could be seen as a challenge to Islam.
Leaders of these movements often used religious slogans or symbols to broaden their appeal, making religion part of societal and political movements.
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