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Aurangzeb's Tomb |
During
his rule, 1658 to 1707 C.E., Aurangzeb expanded the Mughal empire through prolonged wars of conquest, mostly in the Deccan. In 1707, at the age of 88, Aurangzeb was buried in the Deccan town of Khuldabad in a simple tomb. |
Sign for Aurangzeb's tomb |
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Outside View of Tomb |
 Mosque Dome Over Aurangzeb's Tomb |
A
staunchly religious man who disavowed the more tolerant policies of
his ancestors (see below), Aurangzeb enforced Sharia law for all, forbade
drinking and gambling, and reinstated the hated jizya tax on all non-Muslims.
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 Sign for Tomb of Azamshah Son of Aurangzeb |
A
mosque was built around the tomb of Aurangzeb. The mosque and tombs
of Aurangzeb and his son, Azamshah, are entered from the courtyard.
Before prayer people perform ablutions in the tank in the courtyard.
In my experience, I observed only men praying at this mosque. |
Ritual WashingBefore Prayers at Mosque |
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In each mosque, clocks indicate the time for prayer in Muslim shrines around the world. At least one clock is displayed prominently in every mosque. |
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PerfumesSold Outside Mosque |
Islamic
prayers and passages from the Qur'an decorate Muslim homes and most
mosques. Outside the mosque, vendors sell prayer caps (topis), perfumes,
and other Islamic articles and books. |
Prayer Inscription at Mosque |
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| On
his deathbed, Aurangzeb is said to have asked Allah's forgiveness for
his years of bloodshed, and to have told his successors to seek inspiration
from the liberal policies of his ancestors rather than from his own
policies of intolerance, territorial expansion, and warfare. |
 Minarets Over Mosque |
Several
Mughal emperors who preceded Aurangzeb were patrons of religious communities
and the arts who had supported musicians and artists as well as religious
teachers from different traditions. |
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| For
more information about Aurangzeb and Mughul history, go to these links:
http://www.wsu.edu:8080/~dee/MUGHAL/CONTENTS.HTM Top
of Page | Back to Muslim Section |
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