Q. Which of the following statements correctly reflects the impact of Aurangzeb’s religious policy on political stability?
1.The re-imposition of the Jizya in 1679 CE was viewed as an administrative necessity to stabilize the economy after the Deccan wars.
2.The military conflict resulting from the alienation of the Rathore Rajputs of Marwar following the death of Jaswant Singh forced Aurangzeb to divert resources from the Deccan, delaying his campaign there.
3.The rise of the Jat and Satnami rebellions were solely due to Aurangzeb’s policy of temple destruction and the persecution of non-Muslim faiths.
Select the correct code:
Answer: B
Notes:
Explanation:
- Statement 1: Incorrect. The Jizya was framed as a religiously orthodox measure (tax on non-Muslim subjects), not purely an economic one, and caused widespread resentment.
- Statement 2: Correct. The long, costly Marwar War (1679-1707 CE) in Rajasthan diverted massive imperial resources and Mansabdars to the north, significantly weakening the ongoing campaigns in the Deccan.
- Statement 3: Incorrect. While Aurangzeb’s orthodoxy contributed, the Jat and Satnami rebellions primarily originated as socio-economic peasant uprisings (Jats) or localized conflict that rapidly escalated (Satnamis), fueled by oppressive revenue demands and conflicts with local Mughal officials.
