Pakistan is a paradigm example of a failed state that has undergone an extremely dangerous form of radical Islamisation.
Aurangzeb
Aurangzeb was the greatest king among the Mughals and ruled over the largest
territory of any ruler in Indian history. His empire extended from Kabul in
present Afghanistan to areas in South India bordering Madurai in present Tamil
Nadu State. He was a kind-hearted man and led a simple life. He was a just ruler
and forgave his enemies. He abolished all non-Islamic practices at his court;
abolished Ilahi calendar introduced by Akbar and reinstated Islamic lunar
calendar. He enforced laws against gambling and drinking. He abolished taxes on
commodities and inland transport duties. He forbade the practice of Emperor
being weighed in gold and silver on birthdays. Aurangzeb did not draw salary
from state treasury but earned his own living by selling caps he sewed and
selling copies of the Quran he copied by hand.
Birth and Education
Mohyuddin Muhammad Aurangzeb was born on October 24, 1618 CE at Dohad in the
Bombay Presidency. He was the third son of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
Aurangzeb was nine years old when his father became Emperor of India. From that
time on, his regular education began. He got good education in religion as well
as the ordinary education of that time. He memorized the whole Quran and was
taught to write in a beautiful handwriting. He also developed a taste for poetry
and could make verses. He also learned the Arabic language.
Military Training
His military training began by age 16. When Aurangzeb was seventeen, he was
made the Viceroy of Deccan. Aurangzeb worked well as the Viceroy of Deccan. This
didn't still bring peace to his mind. He wanted a purpose of life. After some
thought, he turned to the Quran as a light for his life.
Life as a Faqir
In May 1644 CE, he gave up his duties as the Viceroy of Deccan and left to
live in the wild region of Western Ghats. Here he lived for several months as a
Faqir (poor, simple man). He took up a life of prayer and self-disciplined life.
Anger of his Father
This action of Aurangzeb brought great anger to his father, the Emperor. He
was so shocked that his son became a Faqir that he stopped all his allowances
and took his estates. This didn't bother Aurangzeb at first. After some thought
though, Aurangzeb decided to go back to his family. For some months, Aurangzeb
lived in Agra with disgrace. His mother and sisters felt sorry for him but the
Emperors displeasure was hard to go.
Regaining his Rank
In November 1644 CE, his sister, Jahan Ara, who was the eldest and best-loved
daughter of the Emperor, got a terrible burn and when she recovered, the
Emperor, who was so happy, could not refuse her anything. At her request,
Aurangzeb was raised back to his rank. The prince was again the Viceroy of
Deccan.
