Aurangzeb's Reign and the Decline of Mughal Arts

Aurangzeb (Alamgir), the sixth Mughal emperor, ruled from 1658 to 1707. His orthodox and austere policies led to a decline in Mughal arts, though Islamic calligraphy and textiles thrived. He disbanded the royal atelier, forcing artists to seek patronage from Rajasthani courts and European travelers, giving rise to the Company School. Aurangzeb overthrew his brother Dara Shikoh and confined his father Shah Jahan. His reign saw the reinstatement of the jizya tax, destruction of non-Muslim temples, and execution of Sikh Guru Tegh Bahadur. Portraiture became simplified, and architecture shifted to brick and rubble with stucco. Notable commissions include Bibi Ka Madbara, the Pearl Mosque, Badshahi Mosque, and Alamgiri Gate. Aurangzeb died on March 3, 1707, at age 88, and was buried in a simple grave in Khuldabad, Maharashtra, India.