Aurangzeb vs. Humayun
What's the Difference?
Aurangzeb and Humayun were both Mughal emperors who ruled over the Indian subcontinent during different periods in history. Humayun, the son of Babur, was known for his struggles to regain control of the Mughal Empire after being defeated by Sher Shah Suri. He was known for his love of literature and the arts, as well as his tolerant and inclusive policies towards his subjects. In contrast, Aurangzeb, the son of Shah Jahan, was a strict and conservative ruler who expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent but also imposed harsh religious policies and persecuted non-Muslims. Despite their differences in ruling style, both emperors left a lasting impact on the history of India.
Comparison
| Attribute | Aurangzeb | Humayun |
|---|---|---|
| Reign | 1658-1707 | 1530-1540, 1555-1556 |
| Religion | Sunni Islam | Islam |
| Empire | Mughal Empire | Mughal Empire |
| Successor | Bahadur Shah I | Akbar |
| Policy towards religion | Implemented strict Islamic laws | Tolerant towards other religions |
Further Detail
Background
Aurangzeb and Humayun were both Mughal emperors who ruled over the Indian subcontinent during different time periods. Humayun was the second emperor of the Mughal dynasty, ruling from 1530 to 1540 and then again from 1555 to 1556. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, was the sixth emperor, ruling from 1658 to 1707. Despite being part of the same dynasty, these two rulers had very different attributes and legacies.
Leadership Style
Humayun was known for his lenient and forgiving leadership style. He often pardoned his enemies and tried to rule with a sense of justice and fairness. However, his leniency also led to his downfall, as he was exiled from his kingdom by Sher Shah Suri. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, was known for his strict and authoritarian rule. He was a devout Muslim who implemented Sharia law and cracked down on practices he deemed un-Islamic. While his rule was effective in some ways, it also led to widespread discontent among his subjects.
Military Achievements
Humayun faced several military defeats during his reign, including losing his kingdom to Sher Shah Suri. However, he eventually regained power with the help of the Safavid Empire and went on to expand the Mughal Empire. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, was a skilled military strategist who expanded the empire to its greatest territorial extent. He conquered the Deccan region and parts of southern India, solidifying Mughal control over much of the subcontinent.
Religious Policies
Humayun was known for his tolerance towards people of different religions. He allowed Hindus to practice their faith freely and even participated in Hindu festivals. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, was a staunch Sunni Muslim who implemented strict Islamic laws during his reign. He imposed jizya (tax on non-Muslims) and destroyed Hindu temples, leading to widespread resentment among the Hindu population.
Legacy
Humayun is often remembered as a kind and just ruler who laid the foundation for the Mughal Empire. Despite his initial setbacks, he managed to regain power and expand the empire during his reign. Aurangzeb, on the other hand, is a controversial figure in Indian history. While he expanded the empire and strengthened its control, his strict religious policies and heavy-handed rule have led to mixed opinions about his legacy.
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