43rd B.P.S.C. (Pre) 1999

Ideological Goals of Aurangzeb

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The meaning of 'Jihad' carried on by Aurangzeb is-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept Aurangzeb’s religious policy was driven by his vision of creating a strictly Islamic state. His use of the word 'Jihad' was a political and religious goal to expand the footprint of Islamic rule.

Explanation For Aurangzeb, 'Jihad' meant transforming India from Dar-ul-Harb (House of War/Land of non-believers) into Dar-ul-Islam (House of Islam). He believed it was his duty to enforce Islamic law (Sharia) across the subcontinent and bring it under absolute Muslim sovereignty.

Logical Breakup
Logic 1: While common translations use 'Holy War,' in the context of Aurangzeb's statecraft, the specific *destination* of his struggle was the establishment of Dar-ul-Islam.
Logic 2: This ideology led to policies like the re-imposition of Jizya and the suppression of local practices he deemed un-Islamic.

Active Recall

Question

What is 'Dar-ul-Islam'?

Answer

It refers to a territory under Muslim sovereignty where Islamic law is the supreme authority.

Core Insight

Aurangzeb's obsession with Dar-ul-Islam caused him to move away from the 'Composite State' model of Akbar, leading to long-term political instability.