Aurangzeb: The Man and the Myth

Worth reading this book, an objective analysis of the much maligned Mughal emperor, the book dispels the myths and fake news propaganda about Aurangzeb effectively.

Aurangzeb was the man of his time…

Approachable book on a topic I didn’t know about

Any reader who has already read Sir Jadunath Sarkar's History of Aurangzeb as a starting point will enjoy this short and brilliant new approach to Aurangzeb as a refreshingly original perspective on the life of this complex man and his era. It is only too true that we in India are made to learn by rote in our schools some well-worn cliches about such personalities whereas Ms. Truschke's approach to the subject makes the book engaging as well as urges a lay reader to explore further. We sincerely hope that she enlightens us further on such subjects.

Amazing read, very informative as I have recently started reading about Mughal history.

I am not a fan of history books. My dada suggested me to read this book after reading its review in a newspaper.I always find history boring. However, this book has piqued my interest into the mis represented historical figures. History is always controversial. After reading this book, reader will realise that it is imperative to discard old images and understand characters in historical terms. This does not mean that the atrocities that they have committed become of less nature. The author proposes that historical figures must be evaluated in the context of times and places of the past and not the present. This crucial piece of advise can help anyone understand that we should not judge someone based on our present values and circumstances. Aurangzeb was a mixed character like many others. No historical figure can claim immunity( if they were ever to come back to life) from being judged as per the whims of those in power. Aurangzeb is no exception. Most of the historians have judged him to be a religious bigot who inflicted damage to populace of the time and led to the ruin of the Mughal empire. The above is true and not true. The reader can arrive at his conclusion after the reading the works of Audrey Truschke. The other comprehensive work on Aurangzeb was by Jadunath Sarkar. For quite few years, Jadunath Sarkar's work was the most comprehensive work on him and his work was considered as the final word. However, now historians are finding contrary evidence . Jadunath was a self made historian. Post 1857, the British funded programs to propel their idea of divide and rule. The weapon they used to make this policy a success was to push animosity between the Hindus and Muslims. Aurangzeb was used by British for self comparison and potrayal to enable a narrative where the British look soft and amenable than the Mughals. This does not mean that Aurangzeb did not harm to the Indian ethos of peace and tolerance. However, evidence against Aurangzeb has been cherry picked to suit the needs of those in power to build a popular narrative for or against any historical personality. As per author , Aurangzeb continued much of the Indian traditions. He had more Hindus in his adminstration at higher post than any previous Mughal administration. He was supported by the than princely states of the west. Aurangzeb had a complex relationship with Islam but he is not reducible to religion. As per the author, he destroyed religious places but also have numerous grants and stipends and land for temples. He restricted celebration of Holi but also clamped down on Muharram and Eid. Aurangzeb consulted Hindu aesthetics on health matters and employed more Hindus in his adminsitration than any previous Mughal.Sanskrit was highly regarded. Persian Ramayana was composed by Amar Singh in 1705 for Aurangzeb . His son Prince Akbar declared rebellion with help of Rathor- Sisodia.Raja Raghunatha was his most cherished state officers- almost acting as the vizier of his court. The above are few of the many historical facts raised by the author is support of the taking holistic view of the controversial Aurangzeb. The author also describes all major controversies and Aurangzeb's wrongdoings throughout the book. He jailed his father, he killed his brothers, destroyed religious places, introduced laws that affected the peace and labelled him as a bigot. The main content of the book is about 150 pages and hence can be finished in a day or two by an avid . The books is easy to read and we can draw our conclusions based on facts rather than opinions. Happy reading.

A fresh view of this important Mughal; the last of the great that also brought downfall of the Mughal empire.