Question

‘Aurangzeb’s reign was the best time but also the worst time for the Mughal empire.’ Do you agree with the statement? Why/Why not?

Answer 1

1. Yes, Aurangzeb’s reign can be seen as both the best and the worst.
2. It was “best” in that the empire reached its greatest territorial extent, and he maintained many administrative practices, even appointing non-Muslims to important posts at times.
3. It was “worst” because prolonged wars in the Deccan and against the Marathas drained the treasury, weakened administration, and set the stage for decline after his death.

Thus, his successes came with high costs.