Explore the political challenges and succession issues during the Mughal period, including the War of Succession, Dara's mistakes, and Aurangzeb's rise to power.

The Mughal War of Succession (1657–1659) highlights the recurring succession issues in the Mughal Empire. From Shah Jahan’s illness to Aurangzeb’s rise, this period shaped the future of Indian history. Understanding these events is crucial for students preparing for history and competitive exams.

Mughal War of Succession (1657–1659): Shah Jahan’s Illness and Aurangzeb’s Rise

• The Mughal Empire witnessed destructive wars of succession due to the lack of a clear succession policy.

  The struggle for the throne after Shah Jahan’s illness became one of the most decisive succession wars in Mughal history.

  • (i) There was no fixed tradition of succession among Muslims or Timurids.
  • (ii) The Timurid partition system had failed and was not applied in India.
  • (iii) Even Hindu traditions were unclear; rulers often faced rebellion from brothers or nobles.

• Shah Jahan’s Illness in 1657 and Dara’s Nomination

  The illness of Shah Jahan in late 1657 sparked the war of succession among his sons.

  • Shah Jahan Falls Ill

    • (i) Rumors of Shah Jahan’s death spread across Delhi.
    • (ii) Princes Shuja, Murad, and Aurangzeb prepared their armies.
    • (iii) Shah Jahan nominated Dara Shikoh, raised his mansab, and instructed nobles to obey him.

• War of Succession: Early Battles and Aurangzeb’s Rise

  The conflict quickly escalated into battles where alliances and strategy determined outcomes.

  • Battle of Dharmat (April 1658)

    • (i) Jaswant Singh faced Aurangzeb and Murad at Malwa.
    • (ii) On April 15, 1658, Jaswant Singh was defeated at Dharmat.
    • (iii) This boosted Aurangzeb’s prestige significantly.

• Dara Shikoh’s Mistakes and Defeats

  Dara Shikoh committed major strategic blunders which paved the way for Aurangzeb’s victory.

  • Battle of Samugarh (May 1658)

    • (i) Dara had sent his best troops east under Sulaiman Shikoh.
    • (ii) At Samugarh (May 29, 1658), Dara’s ill-prepared army was crushed.
    • (iii) Aurangzeb used diplomacy and deception to divide nobles.

• Shah Jahan’s Imprisonment

  After Dara’s defeat, Shah Jahan was placed under house arrest by his own son.

  • Siege of Agra Fort

    • (i) Shah Jahan was besieged and surrendered at Agra Fort.
    • (ii) He spent his last eight years under Jahanara Begum’s care.
    • (iii) Aurangzeb imprisoned and executed his brother Murad.

• Dara Shikoh’s End and Aurangzeb’s Consolidation

  The elimination of rivals marked Aurangzeb’s final consolidation of power.

  • Battle of Deorai (March 1659)

    • (i) Dara fled to Lahore, Sindh, Gujarat, and Ajmer but was betrayed.
    • (ii) Defeated at Deorai, he was captured in the Bolan Pass and executed.
    • (iii) His son Sulaiman Shikoh was also executed.

  • Defeat of Shuja

    • (a) Aurangzeb defeated Shuja at Khajwah in December 1658.
    • (b) Shuja fled to Arakan where he met a dishonorable death.

• Aftermath and Aurangzeb’s Policies

  The Mughal succession wars revealed the destructive consequences of dynastic conflicts.

  • Aurangzeb’s Efforts

    • (i) Succession was now decided solely by force and survival.
    • (ii) To stabilize rule, Aurangzeb released and integrated his brothers’ children into the Mughal hierarchy.

• Summary of Mughal War of Succession (1657–1659)

  The War of Succession (1657–1659) was a turning point in Mughal history, where Aurangzeb emerged victorious by defeating his brothers Dara, Shuja, and Murad. It demonstrated the destructive nature of dynastic succession struggles, reshaped the Mughal Empire, and remains highly relevant for students studying Indian history and competitive exams.