A new biography by historian Munis D. Faruqui offers a major reassessment of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb ‘Alamgir’ (1618–1707), challenging long-held views that have portrayed him primarily as a religious zealot responsible for the decline of the Mughal Empire.

Titled Aurangzeb ‘Alamgir and the Mughal Empire, the book draws on an extensive range of historical sources, particularly the multi-volume Akhbarat—court newsletters documenting events within and beyond the Mughal court. Faruqui’s extensive use of these records provides a detailed account of the emperor’s reign, court politics, military campaigns, and personal life.

The biography examines Aurangzeb’s relationships with his father, Shah Jahan, and his brothers, while also highlighting the influence of women and eunuchs in the Mughal court. It portrays an emperor striving to preserve a vast empire amid mounting political and military challenges and reflects on his sense of disappointment during the final years of his life.

One of the book’s central arguments revisits Aurangzeb’s religious policies. Faruqui contends that the emperor’s actions towards his Hindu subjects were largely driven by political pragmatism rather than religious ideology. According to the author, Aurangzeb was regarded by many contemporaries as a zinda pir (living saint) and was respected by both Hindus and Muslims, suggesting that later interpretations have often overlooked the historical context of his rule.

A review of the book notes that Faruqui’s work neither seeks to absolve nor condemn Aurangzeb. Instead, it aims to place the Mughal ruler within the political, social, and cultural realities of his own time, offering readers a more nuanced understanding of one of India’s most debated historical figures.

Combining rigorous archival research with an accessible narrative, Aurangzeb ‘Alamgir and the Mughal Empire is being described as a significant contribution to Mughal historiography and an important intervention in the ongoing debate over Aurangzeb’s legacy.