What are the Major Policies of Aurangzeb? 

• Religious Policies: 
  • Islamic Orthodoxy: He followed a strict interpretation of orthodox Sunni Islam and emphasized religious observance adhered to austere practices. 
  • Reimposition of Jizya: He reinstated the Jizya tax on non-Muslims in 1679, which was perceived as discriminatory, particularly against Hindus and other religious minorities. 
  • Persecution of Religious Leaders: He persecuted Guru Tegh Bahadur (the ninth Sikh Guru) for refusing to convert to Islam which fueled Sikh resistance and contributed to their armed struggle against Mughal authority. 
  • Temple Demolition: In 1669, Aurangzeb issued a farmaan ordering the demolition of major Hindu temples, including Kashi Vishwanath Temple (Varanasi) and Keshavdev Temple (Mathura). 
• Administrative Policies: 
  • Administrative Centralization: Aurangzeb curbed Subahdars' and Zamindars' autonomy, enforced fixed salaries for Mansabdars, and centralized bureaucratic appointments to strengthen imperial control. 
  • Reforms in Mansabdari: Aurangzeb curbed Mansabdars’ financial autonomy, making them reliant on the central treasury, and enhanced military efficiency through the Daag (horse branding) and Chehra (soldier identification) systems to prevent fraud. 
    • The Daag and Chehra systems were introduced by Alauddin Khilji (1296 to 1316). 
  • Fatawa-e-Alamgiri: Compiled Islamic laws to govern administrative and judicial matters, making the state more theocratic in nature. 
• Economic & Taxation Policies: 
  • He continued the Zabt system of revenue collection which imposed high, inflexible taxes despite crop failures, leading to peasant distress and food shortages. Lack of investment in irrigation and agricultural reforms worsened economic stagnation. 
    • The Dahsala (Zabti) system, introduced by Raja Todar Mal under Akbar, was a systematic revenue assessment method based on the 10-year average of crop production and prices. 
  • Heavy Military Expenditure:  Prolonged wars against Marathas and Rajputs drained finances, increased tax burden, and fueled peasant revolts, accelerating regional resistance. 
  • Trade Regulations: Trade restrictions favored Muslim merchants, while strict Islamic commercial laws discouraged entrepreneurship, reducing the empire’s economic competitiveness. 
  • Decline in Arts, Culture, and Infrastructure: Reduced patronage to artisans and halted monumental architecture, shifting focus to military fortifications, limiting economic growth. 

What are the Key Facts Related to Maratha Empire? 

• Emergence of Marathas:  
  • The Maratha Empire emerged in the 17^th century under the leadership of Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680), who laid its foundation by challenging the declining Adil Shahi and Mughal rule in the Deccan. 
  • It was formally established in 1674 with Shivaji's coronation as Chhatrapati and lasted until 1819, when it was defeated by the English East India Company. 
• Rise of Maratha Empire: The rise of the Marathas can be attributed to a combination of strategic, geographical, and political factors. 
  • Geographical Advantage: The rugged terrain of the Western Ghats provided a natural defense and facilitated guerrilla warfare tactics, while the numerous hilltop forts strengthened Maratha resistance and military operations. 
  • Religious and Political Unity: Shivaji’s leadership played a crucial role in unifying the Marathas politically, while the Bhakti movement fostered religious cohesion.  
    • Spiritual leaders like Sant Tukaram, Samarth Ramdas, and Eknath further promoted social and cultural unity among the people. 
  • Administrative and Military Experience: The Marathas gained valuable administrative and military experience by holding key positions in the Bijapur and Ahmadnagar Sultanates.