Aurangzeb as seen from Gujarat

Shi‘i and Millenarian Challenges to Mughal Sovereignty

Bibliographic Data

ID12557338
AuthorsSamira Sheikh (0009-0004-8933-7722, Vanderbilt Health, corresponding author)
Year2018
Volume28
Issue3
Pages557-581
Publication date2018-04-25
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of the Royal Asiatic Society (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1356-1863 • E-ISSN: 1474-0591
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/s1356186318000135
OpenAlexW2801964789
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited12

This article argues for a re-evaluation of the ‘Islamist’ policies of the Mughal ruler Aurangzeb ‘Alamgir (r. 1658–1707), many of which were arguably harsher towards Shi‘i and millenarian groups than towards Hindus. By charting Aurangzeb's trials of millenarian leaders throughout his long reign, it suggests that the emperor's desire to introduce a more standardised legal system was at odds with the ‘millennial’ nature of his own kingship. The article further suggests we should look more closely at the influence of regional politics on Mughal policy-making. The fact that Sunni Gujarati clerics acquired a remarkable intimacy with Aurangzeb, both as prince and emperor, demonstrates how Gujarat's sectarian disputes and political economy could play out in the imperial court. Finally, the article calls for a realistic reappraisal of the long shadows cast by Aurangzeb's Islamist legalism

Ancient history · Emperor · Legalism (Western philosophy · Millenarianism · Monarchy · Political science · Politics · Reign · Sovereignty · Asian Studies and History · Chinese history and philosophy · History · Indian and Buddhist Studies · Law

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