222. The Downfall of the Mughals (Ep 3)

In this episode of Empire, Afua Hirsch and William Dalrymple delve into the reign of Aurangzeb, a divisive figure in Mughal history, exploring his controversial legacy and impact on the empire. They discuss his unpopularity, his departure from the inclusive policies of his predecessors like Akbar, and his austere rule marked by temple destruction and discriminatory practices. The hosts analyze Aurangzeb's complex character, his fraught relationship with his father, and his role in alienating Hindu subjects and allies, ultimately leading to the rise of the Marathas and the disintegration of the Mughal Empire, paving the way for the East India Company's dominance. They examine key events such as the execution of Tegh Bahadur and the Deccan campaigns, highlighting Aurangzeb's failures and the resulting disunity that left India vulnerable to foreign exploitation.