This book is an abridged version of the five-volume History of Aurangzib and covers mainly the political and a brief economic history of the reign of the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzib, the most controversial figure in Indian history.
The book starts with his initial years and his first Deccan campaign. It discusses the fratricidal wars, followed by his coronation and the confinement of his father Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. It further deals with the emergence of Shivaji, his attitude towards his Hindu subjects, and his campaigns in the frontier regions (Afghanistan and Assam). It describes the history of Aurangzib's longest struggle with the Maratha chiefs in much greater detail and deals with the eclipse of the Adil Shahi and Qutb Shahi Sultanates. The author ends with the last days of the Mughal emperor. Besides that, it covers Aurangzib's economic and administrative measures, along with a description of his personality and the impact of his reign.
• Chapter 1. Early Life, 16184652 1
• Chapter 2. Second Viceroyalty Of The Deccan, 1652-1658 . 25
• Chapter 3. Illness Of Shah Jahan And Rebellion Of His Sons 44
• Chapter 4. War Of Succession ; Aurangzib Triumphs 58
• Chapter 5. War Of Succession ; End Of Dara And Shuja 76
• Chapter 6. First Half Of The Reign : A General Sketch 100
• Chapter 7. Wars On The Frontiers : Assam And Afghanistan .. 122
• Chapter 8. Aurangzib's Religious Policy And Hindu Reaction To It 148
• Chapter 9. War In Rajputana ; Rebellion Of Akbar .. 169
• Chapter 10. Rise Of The Maratha Power 184
• Chapter 11. Shivaji, 1670-1680 218
• Chapter 12. Decline And Fall Of Bijapur 241
• Chapter 13. Decline And Fall Of The Qutb Shahs 268
• Chapter 14. Reign Of Shambhuji, 1680-1689 286
• Chapter 15. Struggle With The Marathas Up To 1700 314
• Chapter 16. The Last Phase Of Aurangzib's Career .. 354
• Chapter 17. Affairs Of Northern India ... 391
• Chapter 18. Some Provinces During Aurangzib's Reign 419
• Chapter 19. Aurangzib's Character And The Effect Of His Reign 441
• Chapter 20. The Empire Of Aurangzib, Its Resources, Trade And Administrative System 475 Chronology 487
• Index 497
