New Paradigms on Aurangzeb and Golconda Connection

Abstract

One of the most widely debated areas of medieval Indian History is the Deccan policy of the Mughals especially under Aurangzeb who annexed Golconda and Bijapur, prominent Deccani Kingdoms. There have been many questions and interpretations on the motive of Aurangzeb encompassing sectarian and imperial factors. The views on the issue are varied and diversified. Aurangzeb was a strong advocate for annexation of the Deccani kingdoms even during the time when he was the Deccan Governor during the reign of this father and Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. However, Shah Jahan was not in favor of annexing the states but was content with extracting tribute from them and has allowed them to remain as independent states. However, when Aurangzeb became the emperor, he had finally annexed the states after crushing the Marathas. The present paper examines various possibilities that prompted the last powerful Mughal Emperor to invade and annex Golconda kingdom under the Qutub Shahis. It also analyses the outcome of the annexation with questions such as whether or not Aurangzeb was able to reap any benefits of the annexation of Golconda and on the process of economic and administrative integration of the Deccani State into the imperial networks and its fall out.