The Withdrawal from Balkh and Its Aftermath

In the wake of the Mughal Empire’s strategic withdrawal from Balkh, Emperor Shah Jahan returned to the Indian subcontinent, leaving behind a carefully orchestrated plan to secure the empire’s northwestern frontiers. This maneuver, executed in the mid-17th century, was not merely a retreat but a calculated repositioning aimed at consolidating Mughal power while mitigating risks from potential Central Asian incursions. Shah Jahan’s decision to pull back from Balkh reflected both the logistical challenges of maintaining distant outposts and the ever-present threat of resurgence from rival powers, particularly the Safavids of Persia and various Central Asian khanates. The emperor’s priority was to ensure that the Mughal heartlands remained insulated from instability, even as he sought to assert influence beyond the Hindu Kush.

To this end, Shah Jahan implemented contingency measures. Prince Shuja was stationed in Kabul, serving as a forward guard until confirmation arrived that Aurangzeb, commanding the rear guard, had safely crossed the Hindu Kush mountains. This phased withdrawal underscored the meticulous planning characteristic of Shah Jahan’s military operations. Aurangzeb, tasked with overseeing the safe return of the bulk of the expeditionary force, was ordered to remain at Attock, a strategic fortress town on the banks of the Indus River. He was expressly forbidden from crossing into Hindustan proper until March of the following year, a directive intended to keep him positioned within striking distance of Kabul should reinforcements be needed against any sudden threat from the north.

Aurangzeb’s Appointment as Governor of Multan

By mid-March 1648, Aurangzeb’s role evolved from military commander to administrative leader when he was appointed Governor of Multan, a position he held until July 14, 1652. This promotion was not merely a reward for his service but a strategic placement. Multan, a key province in the Punjab region, was a vital economic and military hub, controlling trade routes and serving as a buffer against incursions from the west. Aurangzeb’s governorship here was part of a broader pattern of employing royal princes in critical provincial roles, both to groom them for future responsibilities and to ensure loyalty through vested authority.

During his four-year tenure in Multan, Aurangzeb’s life was marked by administrative diligence rather than dramatic personal events. However, his responsibilities extended beyond civil governance. He was twice summoned to lead military campaigns against Persian forces in Kandahar—a reflection of the ongoing Mughal-Safavid rivalry over strategic territories. The first expedition departed from Multan on January 22, 1649, and he returned by December of that year; the second began on March 20, 1652, crossing the Chenab River before he was redirected directly to the Deccan after the campaign. These deployments highlighted the fluid nature of Mughal military assignments, where provincial governors could be rapidly mobilized for external defense.

Aurangzeb’s interactions with his father during this period were occasional but significant. On his return from the first siege of Kandahar, he spent two weeks in Lahore with Shah Jahan , and later visited Delhi from January 2 to February 16, 1651. These meetings were not merely familial; they were opportunities for strategic discussions, performance reviews, and reinforcing the hierarchical bonds that underpinned Mughal administration.

Promotions and Expanding Responsibilities

Aurangzeb’s career advancement during this phase was steady and merit-based. He was granted command of an additional 2,000 cavalrymen, who held the prestigious titles of “do-aspa” and “seh-aspa”—indicators of elite status within the Mughal military hierarchy. This increase brought his total command to 15,000 soldiers, with 12,000 in newly added detachments, including 8,000 holding these honored designations. His financial allowances were proportionally raised, reflecting the empire’s recognition of his capabilities and loyalty.

In November of that same year, his authority expanded further when he was appointed Governor of Sindh , incorporating the territories of Bhakkar and Siwistan into his jurisdiction. This dual governorship—Multan and Sindh—placed him in charge of some of the empire’s most turbulent regions, inhabited by fiercely independent tribes such as the Afghans and Baloch. These appointments tested his administrative acumen and military resolve, setting the stage for his later policies as emperor.

The Alamgir Letters: A Window into Aurangzeb’s Mind

From 1650 onward, historians gain an invaluable resource for understanding Aurangzeb’s reign: the Alamgir Letters. This collection emerged thanks to Sheikh Abul Fath, a cultivated and adept secretary enlisted by Aurangzeb. When Aurangzeb ascended the throne in Delhi, Fath was honored with the title Qabil Khan and elevated to the senior position of Imperial Secretary. He served Aurangzeb for 26 years, retiring only when his eyesight failed.

Fath meticulously preserved copies of all letters drafted in Aurangzeb’s name—addressed to the emperor, other princes, ministers, and generals—as well as other correspondence related to his administration. These documents, spanning over 600 pages in modern pagination , cover the period from 1650 through Shah Jahan’s deposition and imprisonment. The letters become particularly rich from the second siege of Kandahar onward, offering detailed insights into Aurangzeb’s military efforts, his frustrations with his father’s criticisms, the financial challenges he faced in the Deccan, and the complexities of Mughal diplomacy with states like Bijapur and Golconda.

Half a century later, Sadiq of Ambala compiled these drafts, supplementing them with 131 additional letters from sources like Amal-Salih and materials related to the war of succession, particularly from his tenure as secretary to the unfortunate Muhammad Akbar. This comprehensive compilation, totaling 586 folios, remains an indispensable primary source for historians studying this era, revealing not only Aurangzeb’s strategic mind but also his personal hopes, fears, and ambitions.

Governing Unruly Territories: Multan and Sindh

The provinces under Aurangzeb’s control were among the most challenging in the empire. Multan’s population was fractious and restive, divided by race, faith, and tradition into competing clans frequently at odds with one another. Sindh, with its incorporation of Bhakkar and Siwistan, added layers of complexity, bringing him into direct contact with formidable Afghan and Baloch tribes known for their independence and martial culture.

For generations, imperial authority had been nominal at best in these western borderlands. Local chieftains ruled through strength and tradition, with little regard for centralized governance. Aurangzeb, however, was intolerant of disorder and insubordination. His approach combined punitive action against notorious bandit leaders with a pragmatic recognition of local power structures. He granted formal recognition to border tribes under the theoretical suzerainty of the empire, legitimizing their status while deferring deeper integration to a later time.

Among the tribes he encountered were the Brahui and the Hot, a branch of the greater Baloch people. Led by figures like Mir Chakar Rind in Sibi, the Hot had migrated into Sindh and Punjab, establishing a capital in Upper Derajat. Aurangzeb’s efforts to impose order here were incremental; he understood that lasting change would require generations of consistent judicial enforcement backed by overwhelming force. His tenure thus focused on establishing a foundation of authority—removing egregious offenders and coaxing tribal leaders into the Mughal fold through a blend of coercion and diplomacy.

Cultural and Social Impacts of Aurangzeb’s Governance

Aurangzeb’s policies in Multan and Sindh had profound cultural and social ramifications. By engaging with diverse ethnic and religious groups—from Muslim Afghans and Baloch to Hindu and Sikh communities in Punjab—he navigated a complex tapestry of identities. His administration emphasized justice and order, but also reinforced Mughal cultural hegemony through patronage of Islamic institutions and scholars.

However, his style of governance was distinctly austere and legalistic, foreshadowing his later reign as emperor. He discouraged extravagance and emphasized fiscal responsibility, which sometimes put him at odds with the more pluralistic and syncretic traditions of his predecessors. In regions like Sindh, where Sufi influences were strong, his strict adherence to orthodox Sunni principles occasionally created tensions, though he also sought to co-opt local religious leaders to bolster his authority.

Economically, his tenure saw efforts to stabilize trade routes and enhance revenue collection, though these were often interrupted by military campaigns. The letters from this period reveal his preoccupation with logistics and funding, highlighting the constant balance between administrative needs and imperial ambitions.

Legacy and Modern Relevance

Aurangzeb’s governorship of Multan and Sindh was a critical formative period that shaped his later policies as emperor. His experiences here—dealing with rebellious tribes, managing military campaigns, and administering diverse populations—honed the skills that would define his rule. The Alamgir Letters provide a unique lens into this evolution, showing a prince who was both pragmatic and pious, strategic and severe.

Historically, his tenure in these regions underscores the challenges of governing a vast, multi-ethnic empire. The Mughals’ ability to project power into frontier zones relied heavily on the capabilities of individual governors, and Aurangzeb’s effectiveness here reinforced his reputation as a competent and ruthless leader.

In modern times, his legacy in these areas remains mixed. In Pakistan, where Multan and Sindh are now located, he is remembered as a figure of both admiration and controversy—admired for his administrative rigor but criticized for his religious policies. The tribal dynamics he encountered persist in some forms, reflecting enduring challenges of governance in border regions.

Ultimately, Aurangzeb’s years in Multan and Sindh were a microcosm of broader Mughal strategies: the use of royal princes as provincial administrators, the interplay between military and civil authority, and the constant negotiation between central control and local autonomy. His story from this period is not just one of personal advancement but of an empire grappling with the complexities of expansion and consolidation.