The persecution of Hindus by Muslim invaders in India spanned several centuries, beginning in the 8th Century and continuing under various Sultanates and the Mughal Empire. This persecution included mass killings, forced conversions, destruction of temples, imposition of taxes (Jizya), and cultural suppression. The article focuses on Aurangzeb’s oppression and Maratha resistance under Shivaji and Sambhaji Maharaj.
The Mughal Empire was founded by Babur, a chieftain from present-day Uzbekistan, after defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat in 1526. The dynasty continued with Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan, reaching its peak under Aurangzeb. At its height, the Mughal Empire controlled territories from Afghanistan to Bengal and from Kashmir to Deccan Plateau. After the death of Aurangzeb, the empire subsequently reduced to the region in and around old Delhi by 1760, and it was formally dissolved by the British Raj after the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
Aurangzeb, also known as Alamgir, was the sixth Mughal emperor, reigning from 1658 until his death in 1707. Shah Jahan nominated his eldest and most liberal son, Dara Shikoh, as his successor, a decision rejected by Aurangzeb. He imprisoned his father Shah Jahan in the Agra Fort, beheaded his elder brother Dara Shikoh, and proclaimed himself emperor in 1658. He is regarded as one of the most fanatical and cruel kings in Indian history, often remembered as a “vile oppressor of Hindus”. He imposed sharia law, leading to large scale oppression of Hindus, making a stark shift from the religious tolerance. He forcefully converted Hindus to Islam and destroyed several temples. In many cases, mosques were constructed on the foundations of temples using the same stones. Kashi and Mathura are such examples. He also introduced jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, encouraging conversion to Islam. Restriction was imposed on public celebrations of Hindu festivals, music and certain rituals were banned. The ninth Sikh Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded for protecting Hindus from forced conversions, bearing testimony to Aurangzeb’s religious policy. His religious intolerance played a key role in the empire’s decline and the rise of regional powers like Marathas and Sikhs, who championed Hindu resurgence.
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680) was a legendary Hindu warrior king and the founder of Maratha Empire. He was known for his brilliant military strategies, governance, and unwavering devotion to Sanatan Dharma. His vision was to establish self-rule and resist the oppression of foreign rulers particularly the Mughals and Adilshahi Sultanate. He is known for pioneering guerrilla warfare tactics, using the rugged terrain of Sahyadri mountains to his advantage. He built a strong navy to protect the Konkan coast, making him one of the few Indian rulers to focus on maritime defense. His fortifications, including Raigad, Pratapgad, and Sindhudurg were strategically significant. A just and benevolent ruler, he promoted religious tolerance and good governance. His administration was based on merit rather than caste, he ensured the safety and dignity of women in his kingdom. In 1674, he was crowned as Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort, making the formal establishment of the Maratha Empire as a strong Hindu kingdom and created a formidable force to counter Mughal onslaught. He protected and rebuilt many temples, ensuring the survival of Santana traditions, and issued strict orders not to harm mosques or civilians showcasing the true spirit of righteous war. He invited Vedic scholars and declared himself as a ‘Hindu King’ and reintroduced Hindu administrative customs in governance, reviving Santana traditions. He united Rajputs, Jats, and other Hindu rulers against Mughal tyranny. His policies ensured that Hindu subjects could live freely without fear of religious persecution. His ideals laid the foundation of the Maratha resurgence, which later challenged the Mughal dominance in India. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was a true protector of Sanatan Dharma, ensuring that Hindu culture, traditions, and faith remained strong despite Aurangzeb’s policies. His legacy inspired future Hindu rulers like the Peshwas, Rajputs, and Sikhs to continue resisting Mughal rule. His leadership laid the foundation of Hindu Swarajya, which eventually led to the decline of Mughal dominance in India.
Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj (The Martyr for Dharma), the eldest son of Shivaji, was the second king of the Maratha Empire, after the death of Shivaji in 1680. He ascended the throne in 1681 and ruled up to 1689. His rule was marked by continuous wars against the Mughals, Portuguese, Siddis, and British, defending the Maratha Empire from all sides. Aurangzeb, who wanted to crush the Marathas, personally led an invasion of the Deccan in 1681 but did not succeed. Sambhaji fought against the Portuguese in Goa to stop the forceful conversions of Hindus. In 1689, he was betrayed by his own men, captured by Aurangzeb’s forces and taken to Tulapur. Aurangzeb offered him a choice, convert to Islam or face death. He refused to convert, saying “I would rather die as a Hindu than live as a traitor to my Dharma”. He was brutally tortured for 40 days, his eyes were gouged out, tongue was cut and body was torn apart limb by limb. Despite immense torture, he never surrendered nor accepted Islam, making him a martyr of Sanatan Dharma. His supreme sacrifice inspired future generations of Marathas to continue fighting against the Mughals. He is regarded as a symbol of courage, resilience, and devotion of Dharma. The Marathas eventually became a dominant power in India, defeating Mughals several times in battles. Guru Gobind Singh’s Khalsa movement further resisted Mughal oppression.
No Indian should attempt to glorify the invaders like Aurangzeb, who were responsible for the killing of Hindus and suppression of Sanatan Dharma’s culture and the traditions.
Despite centuries of persecution, Hindus resisted and preserved their culture and tradition. Leaders like Shivaji Maharaj, Sambhaji, Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, and Guru Govind Singh played crucial roles in defending Hindu identity. Sambhaji Maharaj’s martyrdom symbolizes unwavering courage, devotion, and the ultimate sacrifice made for Dharma. Today, he is honored as Dharamveer (Protector of Dharma), inspiring millions to stand for righteousness. The survival of Sanatan Dharma despite such oppression is a testament to its resilience and strength.
By Manoj Dubey
Principal (Retd.)
Delhi Public Schools
(The content of this article reflects the views of writers and contributors, not necessarily those of the publisher and editor. All disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of competent courts and forums in Delhi/New Delhi only)
Comments (9)
S
A very relevant article for the current state of affairs. It gives lot of insight into the history. Fantastic read too???? thoroughly enjoyed reading.
A wonderful article describing historical events right from Mughals to Shambhaji Maharaj. Readers of this article will realise that Shambhaji Maharaj was the greatest matyre of Hindu dynasty. Particularly the present generation must know the history of Marathas and feel proud of them.
H
My comments are already there as above.
D
The article on the burning topic is an eye opener for me at least. Many of us had not so much facts known about Shivaji , Sambhaji and the Marathas who protected Sanatan Dharma and Hindus against the fanatic foreign rulers. Must read article for everyone. Dr Dubey style of presenting the facts is always appreciated.
N
A nicely chronicled article about the supreme sacrifice of Chhatrapati Shambhaji Maharaj for the sake of Sanatanis. The current generation should know the gory tales of Mughals during the medieval period. Enjoyed reading it. Wishing good readership for this article. My appreciation for the author.
A
Very relevant article on latest controversial remarks by Samajvadi party leader by giving praised comment on aurangjeb whi was cruel and autocratic king this show s the contribution ofshivajimaharaj to stand alone to give his sacrifice the auther should be given all praise by all who go through this article again congratulate him and Udai india by publishing it
S
Historical facts beautifully narrated by the author every one believes that Aurangzeb was a cruel king politicians are twisting the facts for their vote bank.
S
Very well written Mr. Dubey. In my school days the names and acts of such great warriors and sacrifices were not covered in any detail in the history books. We learnt more about the so called greatness of the British and Mughal Empire It's high time that our children learn more about the heroics of our very own warriors of Bharat. Please continue to enlighten us.
S
प्रस्तुत लेख के माध्यम से विदेशी शासकों द्वारा हम भारतीयों पर हुए अत्याचार तथा भारतीय वीरों द्वारा अति साहसिक प्रतिकारों का संक्षिप्त वर्णन सुंदर ढंग से किया गया है। हमें अपने वीरों और योद्धाओं पर गर्व है परंतु अत्यंत दुख अपने भाई-बंधुओं से है जिनके अपने धर्म, संस्कृति, विश्व श्रेष्ठ वैदिक ज्ञान एवं भक्ति के प्रति उत्तरोत्तर बढ़ते अरुचि के कारण इस प्रकार के संकटों का जन्म और उसकी समृद्धि हुई। हमें अब सतर्क रहने की आवश्यकता है।