The Historical Backdrop: A Prince in the Mughal Court

The mid-17th century was a period of immense complexity and intrigue within the Mughal Empire, a vast domain stretching across the Indian subcontinent. Emperor Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, ruled from his splendid capital, but beneath the surface of imperial grandeur simmered familial rivalries and political ambitions. His third son, Aurangzeb, stood out as a figure of contrasting qualities—pious, austere, militarily capable, yet increasingly rigid in his religious outlook. Following a military setback in Golconda in 1652, Aurangzeb found himself once again appointed as the viceroy of the Deccan, a vast and strategically critical region in southern India. This assignment was not merely an administrative post; it was a testing ground for his abilities, a platform to demonstrate his worth, and ultimately, a stepping stone toward his greater ambitions.

The Deccan itself was a land of contrasts and challenges. It was a region where the Mughal Empire’s influence was still consolidating, facing resilient Sultanates like Golconda and Bijapur, each with its own rich cultural and political traditions. For Aurangzeb, this second tenure was an opportunity to reassert Mughal authority, expand territorial control, and imprint his own vision of governance onto the region. It was here, amid the rocky landscapes and fortified cities, that he would spend some of the most formative years of his life, shaping not only the destiny of the Deccan but also his own path to the Peacock Throne.

The Journey South: A Viceroy’s Progress

On July 17, 1652, Aurangzeb departed after paying respects to his father, Shah Jahan, who was then in Afghanistan. His journey to assume the viceroyalty was a deliberate and measured progression, reflecting both the practicalities of travel and the ceremonial aspects of Mughal administration. Crossing the Indus River at Attock on September 9, he moved steadily southward, passing through Delhi on October 17 and Agra on October 28. Each stop was a reminder of the empire’s heartland, a contrast to the frontier he was approaching.

By January 1653, he reached the banks of the Narmada River and the town of Burhanpur, the capital of the Khandesh province. However, the royal residence there was under repair, forcing the prince to camp outdoors for several days. It was not until January 30 that he could enter the city properly. During this extended stay in Burhanpur—which lasted nine months, despite Shah Jahan’s repeated orders to proceed to the provincial capital, Aurangabad—Aurangzeb engaged in both personal and administrative matters. He courted and married the elegant singer Hira Bai Zainabadi Mahal, a union that added a touch of romance to his otherwise stern persona. Finally, on October 28, 1653, he left Burhanpur, arriving at the fortress of Daulatabad on November 25, before establishing himself in Aurangabad for the next four years.

Life in the Deccan: Governance and Personal Pursuits

Aurangzeb’s base in Aurangabad became the center of his activities. The city itself had historical significance; originally a small village called Khirki, it was developed by Malik Ambar, the renowned regent of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, and later renamed Aurangabad in honor of the prince during his first viceroyalty. Aurangzeb further expanded and fortified it, making it a symbol of Mughal presence in the Deccan.

His daily life combined administrative duties with personal interests. In his own words, written later to his grandson Bidar Bakht, he described his routines: hunting expeditions, travels to scenic spots, and visits to Sufi shrines. The nearby village of Sattarah served as his hunting ground, where he pursued nilgai , deer, and even tigers. He often rode with his sons, Muazzam and Azam, teaching them the arts of hunting and leadership. They used trained hawks to catch herons and set up posts in valleys to shoot game, blending sport with martial training.

Yet, his pursuits were not solely recreational. He also engaged in acts that reflected his growing religious fervor. He proudly recounted destroying a temple atop a hill near Sattarah, which housed an image of Khande Rai, and dispersing the temple dancers whose performances he deemed immoral. This action was an early indicator of the religious policies that would later define his reign.

Cultural and Social Impacts: A Region Transformed

Aurangzeb’s tenure had profound effects on the Deccan’s cultural and social landscape. His presence accelerated the integration of the region into the Mughal administrative framework, bringing new systems of revenue collection, justice, and military organization. The expansion of Aurangabad as a urban center attracted artisans, traders, and scholars, fostering a blend of Deccani and Mughal cultures.

However, his actions also sowed seeds of tension. His destruction of the temple near Sattarah was not an isolated incident; it reflected a broader pattern of religious intolerance that would later escalate. His bias against non-Muslims, particularly Hindus, became increasingly evident. For instance, his handling of the case of Chhabila Ram, a Brahmin tax collector in Bihar who was executed for allegedly insulting the Prophet, demonstrated his willingness to enforce Islamic law harshly. In letters to his vizier, Sadullah Khan, he urged the suppression of complaints from non-Muslims and the protection of Islamic scholars, revealing a mindset that prioritized religious orthodoxy over pluralism.

This attitude extended to his relations with the Rajputs, traditionally key allies of the Mughals. Aurangzeb’s distrust and hostility toward them led to conflicts with his father, who fined him for his unfriendly behavior. Although Aurangzeb attempted to placate Shah Jahan by recommending a Rajput, Rao Karan, for a high post, the underlying friction remained. These strained relationships would later have significant consequences for the stability of the empire.

Major Events and Turning Points: From Viceroy to Emperor

The years in the Deccan were marked by significant events that shaped Aurangzeb’s future. In 1658, he left Aurangabad to embark on the campaign that would culminate in his ascension to the throne. The War of Succession against his brothers—Dara Shikoh, Shuja, and Murad—was fiercely contested, and Aurangzeb’s military experience in the Deccan proved invaluable. His victory led to his coronation as emperor, but it also began a reign that would be remembered for its religious dogmatism and endless military campaigns.

Personal milestones during this period included the birth of his son, Akbar, on September 11, 1657, and the deaths of his wife, Dilras Banu, on October 8, 1657, and his beloved concubine, Zainabadi, around 1654. These events added emotional depth to his time in the Deccan, reminding us that behind the political figure was a man subject to the same joys and sorrows as any other.

Legacy and Modern Relevance: Lessons from the Deccan Years

Aurangzeb’s second viceroyalty in the Deccan offers critical insights into his character and policies. It was here that his religious convictions hardened, his administrative skills were honed, and his ambitions took shape. The region served as a microcosm of the challenges he would face as emperor: managing diverse populations, expanding territory, and balancing piety with power.

His legacy is deeply contested. To some, he was a devout ruler who sought to uphold Islamic principles; to others, he was a bigot whose policies weakened the Mughal Empire by alienating key allies and provoking resistance. The Deccan years highlight this duality—a capable administrator and military leader who was also increasingly inflexible and intolerant.

In modern times, Aurangzeb’s reign remains a topic of heated debate in India, often symbolizing the complexities of religious coexistence and governance. His actions in the Deccan, from city-building to temple destruction, continue to resonate, reminding us of the enduring impact of historical figures on contemporary identities and conflicts.

Ultimately, Aurangzeb’s second viceroyalty was a pivotal chapter in both his life and Indian history. It shaped the man who would rule one of the world’s greatest empires for nearly five decades, leaving a legacy that is still examined and debated today. Through his experiences in the Deccan, we see the emergence of a ruler whose strengths and flaws would define an era and influence the course of South Asian history for generations to come.