Introduction: A Prince Born on the Move

In the early 17th century, the Mughal Empire was a realm of immense power, cultural brilliance, and complex political intrigue. It was against this backdrop that Muhiuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb, later known as Alamgir I, entered the world. Born not within the secure walls of a palace but on a military campaign, his early life was shaped by the tumultuous events of his time. As the sixth child of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal—the couple immortalized by the Taj Mahal—Aurangzeb’s origins were both privileged and precarious. This article explores the historical context, key events, and personal developments that forged one of the most controversial figures in Indian history.

The Mughal Context: Empire and Family Dynamics

By the time of Aurangzeb’s birth, the Mughal dynasty had established itself as the dominant power in the Indian subcontinent. Under Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, the empire expanded its territories, developed a sophisticated administration, and fostered a rich syncretic culture. However, succession struggles were a recurring feature of Mughal rule, often pitting brother against brother in bloody conflicts. Aurangzeb’s grandfather, Jahangir, had faced rebellions from his own sons, and this pattern would repeat in the next generation. The emperor’s court was a center of art and learning but also of intense factionalism, with powerful nobles and royal women like Nur Jahan exerting significant influence. Understanding this environment is crucial to appreciating the challenges and opportunities that shaped Aurangzeb’s character and ambitions.

A Birth on Campaign: Early Life and Travels

Aurangzeb was born on the night of October 24, 1618, according to the European calendar, or the 15th of Zul-Qa’dah, 1027 in the Islamic Hijri calendar. The location was Dohad, a village in Gujarat, during a pause in the imperial procession from Gujarat to Agra. Emperor Jahangir was returning from suppressing Malik Ambar’s rebellion in Ahmadnagar, and Shah Jahan—then still a prince—was accompanying his father with his family. Just days after Aurangzeb’s birth, the royal party reached Ujjain, the capital of Malwa, where the arrival of a new grandson was celebrated with appropriate ceremonies. This peripatetic beginning was emblematic of Aurangzeb’s early years; he spent much of his childhood on the move, as his father’s fortunes rose and fell.

Despite the constant travel, Aurangzeb developed a lasting affection for his birthplace. In later years, as emperor, he wrote to his son Muhammad Azam instructing him to show kindness to the residents of Dohad and to retain the long-serving local garrison commander. This personal connection to his origins reveals a side of Aurangzeb often overshadowed by his stern reputation—a man capable of nostalgia and loyalty to the places and people of his youth.

Family Bonds and Political Turmoil

Shah Jahan’s deep devotion to his wife Mumtaz Mahal was legendary. She accompanied him on all his journeys, whether military campaigns, provincial tours, or even during his flight from Jahangir’s wrath through the wilds of Telingana to Bengal. Consequently, several of their children, including Aurangzeb and his brother Murad Bakhsh , entered the world far from the comforts of the capital. This family cohesion in the face of adversity provided a stable emotional foundation for the young prince, even as political storms raged around them.

From 1622 onward, Shah Jahan’s position became increasingly precarious. The aging Jahangir, influenced by his powerful wife Nur Jahan, stripped Shah Jahan of his titles and territories, forcing him into rebellion. After a series of failed campaigns and desperate retreats through Telingana, Orissa, Bengal, and Jaunpur, Shah Jahan eventually submitted to his father. As part of the settlement, he sent his two younger sons, Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb, to Jahangir’s court in Lahore as hostages in June 1626. Under Nur Jahan’s care, the boys lived as political pawns—a experience that undoubtedly shaped Aurangzeb’s understanding of power and betrayal.

Reunion and Restoration

Jahangir’s death in 1627 changed everything. Shah Jahan ascended the throne, and the hostage princes, accompanied by Asaf Khan, returned to Agra. On February 26, 1628, they were reunited with their family in an emotional scene described by chroniclers: their mother, overcome with joy, clasped her long-absent sons to her chest, releasing years of pent-up anxiety and affection. With his father now emperor, Aurangzeb’s life stabilized. He received a daily allowance of 500 rupees and began his formal education—a critical phase that would equip him for future leadership and conflict.

The Making of a Scholar-Prince

At around age ten, Aurangzeb embarked on a rigorous educational program designed to prepare him for rulership. His tutors included some of the most esteemed scholars of the day. Sadullah Khan, Shah Jahan’s renowned vizier, is said to have been one of his instructors. Another key teacher was Mir Muhammad Hashim of Gilan, a man of extensive learning who had spent twelve years studying in Mecca and Medina before coming to India. After mastering medicine under Ali Gilani and running a famous school in Ahmedabad, Hashim served as a civil judge and then as Aurangzeb’s personal tutor until the end of Shah Jahan’s reign.

Contrary to some accounts, such as those by the traveler Bernier, there is no strong evidence that a scholar named Saleh Mullah taught Aurangzeb in his youth. Records show a Saleh Mullah from Badakhshan being received at court in 1647, when Aurangzeb was already 29—far too old to be a student. This highlights the importance of distinguishing between myth and documented fact in reconstructing the prince’s education.

Linguistic and Literary Mastery

Aurangzeb proved to be an exceptionally bright and diligent student. His correspondence demonstrates a profound knowledge of the Quran and the Hadith , from which he frequently quoted. He achieved scholarly proficiency in reading and writing Arabic and Persian, the languages of administration and high culture in the Mughal Empire. His mother tongue was Hindustani, used by the royal family in private life, and he also acquired a practical knowledge of Hindi, enabling him to communicate with a wider range of subjects and even recite popular Hindi proverbs.

During his military postings in Balkh and Kandahar, Aurangzeb learned Chagatai Turkic, the language of many soldiers recruited from Central Asia. This linguistic adaptability was not unique to him; contemporary rulers like Jai Singh also acquired foreign languages to better command their troops. Aurangzeb’s multilingualism reflected the cosmopolitan nature of the Mughal Empire and his own pragmatic approach to governance.

The Art of Calligraphy and Devotional Practice

Calligraphy was a highly valued skill among Mughal princes, and Aurangzeb excelled at it. He meticulously copied the Quran in a fine naskh script, an act considered pious in Islamic tradition. Several of these manuscripts were beautifully bound and illustrated, with copies sent to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina. Another was preserved at the shrine of Nizamuddin Auliya near Delhi. The emperor, ever mindful of avoiding idleness, spent his leisure time transcribing scriptures and crafting caps, selling these works to earn his livelihood. These Quranic copies circulated widely across India, serving as both religious artifacts and examples of his artistic dedication.

According to the chronicler Saqi Mustad Khan, Aurangzeb’s mastery extended to nastaliq and shikasta styles of Persian calligraphy. This is credible given that he wrote numerous letters and personally annotated petitions throughout his life. Like his father Shah Jahan and brother Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb took calligraphy seriously—not merely as an art form but as a discipline that cultivated patience, precision, and spiritual focus.

Cultural and Social Impacts of Early Influences

Aurangzeb’s upbringing immersed him in the diverse cultural currents of the Mughal world. His education blended Islamic theology with practical skills like language and statecraft, while his travels exposed him to India’s varied regions and peoples. These experiences fostered a complex identity: he was a devout Muslim who could engage with Hindu traditions, a prince born to privilege who understood the hardships of life on campaign, and a scholar who valued knowledge but also recognized the realities of power.

The political instability of his early years—being held hostage, witnessing his father’s struggles—instilled in him a keen awareness of the fragility of authority. This may have contributed to his later reputation for caution, austerity, and suspicion. At the same time, his strong family bonds, particularly his respect for his parents, suggest a capacity for deep loyalty and affection often overlooked in historical narratives.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Aurangzeb’s formative years offer valuable insights into the making of a ruler whose reign would profoundly shape Indian history. His rigorous education, linguistic skills, and religious devotion equipped him for leadership but also set him apart from more syncretic predecessors like Akbar. The early exposure to political conflict and family strife foreshadowed the brutal war of succession that would bring him to power and the contentious policies that defined his rule.

Today, Aurangzeb remains a polarizing figure. Some view him as a bigot who undermined Mughal tolerance, while others see him as a principled ruler who sought to govern according to his faith. Understanding his childhood and education helps contextualize these debates, revealing the personal experiences that influenced his decisions. His life reminds us of the complex interplay between individual upbringing and historical forces, and how the lessons of youth can echo through centuries of legacy.

In examining Aurangzeb’s early years, we gain not only a richer portrait of the man but also a deeper appreciation for the Mughal Empire’s intricate tapestry of culture, politics, and personal ambition. His story continues to resonate, inviting reflection on how leaders are forged in the crucible of their times.