Which of the following is true?a)Aurangzeb has no zeal for destroying ...
Aurangzeb did not just build an isolated mosque on a destroyed temple, he ordered all temples destroyed, among them the Kashi Vishwanath temple, one of the most sacred places of Hinduism, and had mosques built on a number of cleared temple sites.
Aurangzeb gave grants to some Hindu temple and maths.
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Which of the following is true?a)Aurangzeb has no zeal for destroying ...
Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal emperor of India, is a controversial figure in history, with varying perspectives on his rule and actions. Among the given options, the correct answer is option 'C' - Aurangzeb gave grants to some Hindu temples and maths. Let's discuss this in detail.
Aurangzeb's Attitude Towards Temples
A common perception about Aurangzeb is that he had a zeal for destroying Hindu temples. However, historical evidence suggests a more nuanced and complex picture. While it is true that some temples were destroyed during his rule, it is important to note that this was not limited to Aurangzeb's reign and happened during the rule of other Mughal emperors as well. Moreover, Aurangzeb's policies were not solely focused on temple destruction.
Aurangzeb's Policy of Jizya
The imposition of Jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, is often cited as evidence of Aurangzeb's intolerance towards non-Muslims. However, it is important to note that Aurangzeb exempted certain regions, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal, from the payment of Jizya. This exemption indicates that he did not impose the tax uniformly across all non-Muslims in his empire.
Aurangzeb's Grants to Hindu Temples and Maths
Contrary to popular belief, Aurangzeb did provide grants to some Hindu temples and maths (monastic establishments). This aspect of his policy is often overshadowed by the focus on temple destruction. Historical records indicate that he gave grants to certain temples and maths, including the famous Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. These grants were given for the maintenance and upkeep of these religious institutions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Aurangzeb's reign is often associated with temple destruction and the imposition of Jizya, it is important to consider the broader context and evidence. While some temples were indeed destroyed, Aurangzeb also exempted certain regions from the payment of Jizya and provided grants to Hindu temples and maths. This complex and multifaceted approach indicates that Aurangzeb's policies towards non-Muslims and Hindu religious institutions were not solely driven by intolerance.
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