Aurangzeb, infamous for his religious fanaticism and intolerance, had one chief aim— to convert Dar-ul-harb (India: the country of Kafirs or infidels) to Dar-ul-Islam (country of Islam). His extremist stance manifested in the several reprehensible measures he took to suppress the hindu population:
- Demolishing temples and breaking idols: In the twelfth year of his rule, Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of all important and famous temples within his empire including Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Varanasi and Somnath Temple, Gujarat. Mosques were built at the site of the deconstruction.
- Re-imposition of Jizya tax: Aurangzeb imposed the jaziya tax, a form of punitive levy in exchange for protection and the freedom to practice their religion, exclusively for non-Muslims. Those who resisted payment faced severe penalties, and in some instances, death.
- Restrictions on Educational Institutions: Gurukul-led systems were discontinued. Vedic texts, hindu literature and science texts were destroyed. This was another attempt at establishing Islamic dominance by Aurangzeb.
- Social and religious restrictions: Holi and Diwali festivals were allowed to be celebrated but with certain restrictions. Hindus were not allowed to burn their dead on the banks of the river Sabarmati in Ahmedabad. Similar restrictions were placed at Delhi on the river Jamuna.
- Removal of the Hindus from Government jobs: Hindus were removed from—and further not allowed to occupy— high administrative or executive posts. A mandate was issued prohibiting employment of Hindus in the revenue department in 1670.
- Forced Conversions: Non-Muslims lived under the constant threat of forced conversion to Islam.
The restrictions and persecution of religious practices can be seen as an attempt at cultural genocide and had a profound impact on the continuity of sanatan dharma practices.
Santana-Dharma, which is practised today as “hinduism” holds the notion the eternal and intrinsic inclination of the living entity (atman) is to perform seva (service). Sanatana-dharma, refers to universal laws beyond our temporary belief systems.
Disclaimer: While it's important to acknowledge the injustices faced by Hindus and non-Muslims during Aurangzeb’s rule, it is neither fair nor reasonable to hold present-day Indian Muslims accountable for those historical actions.
