Who was the last Mughal emperor who was strong and powerful?
Last Strong Mughal Emperor
The last Mughal emperor who was considered strong and powerful was **Aurangzeb Alamgir** (reigned 1658-1707). His reign marked the peak of the Mughal Empire's territorial expansion and influence in India.
Key Achievements
- **Territorial Expansion**:
- Aurangzeb expanded the empire to its greatest extent, covering most of the Indian subcontinent.
- **Administrative Reforms**:
- He implemented a centralized administration and strengthened the bureaucratic framework, enhancing tax collection and governance.
- **Military Campaigns**:
- Engaged in prolonged military campaigns, especially in the Deccan, to suppress regional powers and assert Mughal dominance.
Cultural Impact
- **Patron of Arts**:
- While Aurangzeb is often criticized for his orthodox policies, he continued to be a patron of arts, literature, and architecture, though his focus was more religious and austere compared to his predecessors.
Religious Policies
- **Orthodox Islam**:
- Implemented policies that favored Sunni Islam, including the re-imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims, which alienated many of his subjects.
- **Religious Tensions**:
- His religious policies led to increased tensions with Hindu and Sikh communities, contributing to the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Decline After Aurangzeb
- After Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the empire rapidly declined due to internal strife, succession wars, and external pressures from emerging powers like the British and Marathas.
In summary, Aurangzeb was the last Mughal emperor who exhibited significant strength and power, but his reign also set the stage for the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.
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