Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb is known for his harsh policies and staunch rule. He killed his brothers for power and also imprisoned his father Shah Jahan. But very few people know that he also had his own daughter Zebunnisa, whom he imprisoned for about 20 years.

Aurangzeb: Aurangzeb's full name was Abdul Muzaffar Muhiuddin Aurangzeb Alamgir. He was the sixth ruler of the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb is known for his harsh policies and fanatic rule. He killed his brothers for power and also imprisoned his father Shah Jahan. But very few people know that he also had his own daughter Zebunnisa, whom he kept imprisoned for about 20 years. Let us tell you a horrifying tale of cruelty.

Cruel policies and atrocities of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb

Murder of brother and imprisonment of father: Aurangzeb defeated and killed his own brother Dara Shikoh to gain power. He also put his father Shah Jahan under house arrest in Agra Fort, due to which he died in captivity.

Brutality against Maratha warriors: Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj was subjected to horrific torture after his capture. His eyes were gouged out, tongue was cut and his body was mutilated and he was brutally killed.

Martyrdom of Guru Tegh Bahadur: Guru Tegh Bahadur was forcibly forced to convert to Islam. When he refused, he was tortured and killed in captivity.

Religious persecution of Hindus: Jaziya tax, abolished by Akbar, was reintroduced, forcing Hindus to pay heavy taxes. Many important temples like Kashi Vishwanath, Krishna Janmabhoomi and Somnath were destroyed.

Invasion of Rajput kingdoms: Rajput rulers of Mewar and Marwar were forcibly taxed. Maharani Ajit Singh's mother of Marwar also had to endure inhumane treatment.

Persecution of saints and spiritual leaders: Many Bhakti saints, especially Sant Ramdas, were tortured. The property of Hindu ashrams and temples was confiscated.

War and cruelty in South India: Kingdoms like Bijapur and Golconda were invaded and their rulers were deposed. During the war, soldiers looted, killed and tortured women.

Atrocities on Hindu society: Attempts were made to forcibly convert millions of Hindus to Islam. Incidents of atrocities against the general public and violence against women became common.

Who was Zebunnisa?

Zebunnisa was the eldest and extremely intelligent daughter of Aurangzeb. Zebunnisa was born on 15 February 1638. She was interested in studies since childhood. She had a deep understanding of Arabic and Persian and became a Hafiz (knower of the Quran) at the age of just 7 years. Aurangzeb initially gave her great respect, but as her interest in literature, Sufi thoughts and teachings of other religions grew, her father's displeasure also increased. She was well versed in Persian and Arabic literature and was also a brilliant poetess. Her poems became very famous under the name "Makhfi" (secret).

Why was he imprisoned?

It is said that Zebunnisa disagreed with her father's strict religious policies and at times even opposed his decisions. According to some historical sources, she was inclined towards the Sufi ideology of Dara Shikoh, which Aurangzeb did not like. According to another story, Zebunnisa fell in love with a young prince Akram Khan and when Aurangzeb came to know about this, he imprisoned his daughter in the Salimgarh Fort in Delhi. Zebunnisa remained imprisoned within the walls of the fort for about 20 years. It is said that she breathed her last there and was buried anonymously. This story of Aurangzeb shows his cruelty, where he did not spare his own family for power.

PC:Indianews