The Mughal Empire’s history is filled with tales of power, betrayal, and ambition, and few stories capture that essence like the saga of Shah Jahan’s sons. As the builder of the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan fathered 14 children with his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, but only seven survived into adulthood: four sons and three daughters. These heirs—Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad Bakhsh—would ignite one of the bloodiest succession wars in Indian history. If you’re diving into Mughal history or searching for details on Aurangzeb’s rise, this breakdown explores their lives, the war’s causes, key battles, and its lasting impact. Let’s unpack it step by step.
The Heirs to the Peacock Throne: Shah Jahan’s Surviving Children
Shah Jahan’s family dynamics set the stage for drama. His eldest daughter was Jahanara, a key figure in court intrigue. Then came the sons:
- Dara Shikoh: The favored eldest son, born in 1615, who stayed close to his father in the capital.
- Shah Shuja: The second son, born in 1616, governing Bengal.
- Aurangzeb: The third, born in 1618, handling the Deccan region in the south.
- Murad Bakhsh: The youngest, born in 1624, overseeing Gujarat.
The daughters included Roshanara (second) and Gauharara (third and youngest child overall). At the time of Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657, their ages were: Dara at 43, Shuja at 41, Aurangzeb at 39, and Murad at 33. These princes weren’t just siblings—they were rivals with armies, ambitions, and alliances that would reshape the empire.
Dara Shikoh: The Scholar-Prince and Shah Jahan’s Chosen Heir
Dara Shikoh, often seen as a “mini-Akbar” for his intellectual pursuits, was Shah Jahan’s clear favorite. Governing prosperous provinces like Allahabad, Punjab, and Multan, he held a high rank of 40,000 mansab and the title “Shah Buland Iqbal.” Dara was a man of letters, deeply interested in religious harmony. He studied Vedanta, the Talmud, the Bible, and Sufi writings, even commissioning Persian translations of the Atharvaveda and Upanishads with help from Brahmin scholars.
His policy of “Sulh-i-Kul” (universal peace) aimed to bridge religions, but this liberal stance alienated orthodox Muslims. Still, Dara never abandoned core Islamic principles—he just embraced Sufi inclusivity. Historians note he blended Humayun’s mysticism with Akbar’s tolerance. If you’re researching Mughal religious policies or interfaith dialogues in history, Dara’s story highlights the empire’s progressive side.
Shah Shuja: The Ambitious Governor of Bengal
Born in 1616, Shah Shuja was smart, brave, and a skilled administrator, but his indulgences held him back. As Bengal’s subedar, he lived lavishly, which weakened his health in the region’s humid climate. By 41, he showed signs of premature aging. French traveler Bernier described him as similar to Dara but sharper, more resolute, and better at scheming—yet enslaved by pleasures. Once surrounded by dancers and music, his judgment faltered.
Despite his talents, Shuja’s laziness made him unfit for the brutal succession fight. For those interested in Mughal provincial governance or Bengal’s role in the empire, Shuja’s tenure shows how personal vices could undermine political potential.
Aurangzeb: The Ruthless Strategist Who Seized Power
Aurangzeb, born in 1618 in Dohad, stood out as extraordinarily diligent, diplomatic, and militarily gifted. As Deccan’s subedar, he faced hardships from age 16, building unyielding resolve. He excelled in campaigns across Balkh, Kandahar, Multan, Gujarat, Sindh, and the south, proving his prowess in both war and peace.
People feared rather than loved him, but Aurangzeb knew how to read and use men effectively. Compared to his brothers, he was unmatched in cunning and leadership. As a devout Sunni, he garnered support from orthodox factions. If Aurangzeb’s biography intrigues you—especially his transformation from prince to emperor—this period reveals the makings of a conqueror.
Murad Bakhsh: The Reckless Youngest Son
The fourth son, born in 1624, Murad was a strict Sunni appointed to Malwa and Gujarat. Brave and bold, he was also a heavy drinker, mixing valor with vice. His love for luxury stunted his leadership skills—he lacked caution and diplomacy, making him easy prey for Aurangzeb’s traps. Some historians call him the “black sheep” of the Mughals. For insights into lesser-known Mughal princes, Murad’s tale underscores how ambition without strategy leads to downfall.
Shah Jahan’s Illness: The Spark That Ignited the War
On September 6, 1657, Shah Jahan fell gravely ill in his new capital, Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi). Rumors of his death spread like wildfire. With only Dara by his side, Shah Jahan handed empire affairs to him, ordering officials to treat Dara as ruler. Dara issued firmans against Aurangzeb and Murad, accusing them of misconduct, and promoted his allies.
Suspicious brothers believed Shah Jahan was dead and Dara was hiding it. Roads to Bengal, Gujarat, and the south were blocked to contain news. By November 1657, Shah Jahan recovered and moved to Agra, but chaos reigned due to false rumors and Dara’s maneuvers. This set off the first Mughal succession war while the emperor still lived.
Causes of the Mughal Succession War: Ambition, Tradition, and Intrigue
Why did Shah Jahan’s sons turn on each other? Several factors fueled the fire:
No Fixed Succession Rules: Like Delhi Sultans, Mughals relied on the sword—wars after a ruler’s death were tradition.
Princely Ambitions: All sons were capable, with armies and provinces, eager for the throne.
Personality Clashes and Jealousy: Differing temperaments bred hatred; Shah Jahan’s favoritism toward Dara intensified it.
Dara’s Appointment: Elevating Dara to 60,000 mansab and emperor-like status provoked backlash.
Dara’s Suspicious Actions: Blocking access to Shah Jahan and communications raised doubts.
Court Conspiracies: Daughters like Jahanara (pro-Dara), Roshanara (pro-Aurangzeb), and Gauharara (pro-Murad) schemed. Nobles divided along lines: orthodox Sunnis backed Aurangzeb, liberals Dara, Shias Shuja.
This war marked a turning point in Mughal history, blending personal rivalries with political maneuvering.
Key Events of the Succession War: Battles and Betrayals
The war unfolded with rapid, decisive clashes:
- Bahadurpur Battle (February 24, 1658): Shuja advanced to Banaras; Dara’s forces, led by Suleiman Shikoh, Jai Singh, and Diler Khan, defeated him, forcing retreat to Bengal.
Alliance and Pact: Murad killed his diwan, declared himself emperor in Ahmedabad. Shuja did the same in Rajmahal. Aurangzeb cleverly allied with both, promising shares of the empire. - Dharmat Battle (April 15, 1658): Near Ujjain, Aurangzeb-Murad’s combined forces crushed Dara’s army under Jaswant Singh and Kasim Khan. Aurangzeb founded Fatehabad to commemorate the win.
- Samugarh Battle (May 29, 1658): East of Agra, Aurangzeb triumphed over Dara’s larger but disorganized troops. Dara fled to Delhi without seeing his father.
- Agra Capture (June 8, 1658): Aurangzeb besieged the fort, cutting supplies; Shah Jahan surrendered, becoming a prisoner.
Post-Samugarh, Aurangzeb pursued foes:
- He tricked and imprisoned Murad in June 1658, executing him in December 1661 for murder.
- Khajwa Battle (January 5, 1659): Defeated Shuja, who fled to Arakan and was killed there.
- Deorai Battle (April 12-14, 1659): Near Ajmer, Aurangzeb routed Dara again.
Dara, betrayed by a Baluchi chief, was captured in June 1659. Paraded in Delhi, tried as a heretic, and executed on August 30, 1659. His son Suleiman met a similar fate in May 1662.
Aurangzeb’s Coronations: Claiming the Throne
Aurangzeb crowned himself twice per tradition. First, on July 31, 1658, in Delhi as “Abul Muzaffar Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Bahadur.” The second, grander one on June 15, 1659, as “Alamgir Padshah Ghazi” (World Conqueror Warrior), after key victories.
Shah Jahan’s Death and Legacy
Imprisoned in Agra Fort for eight years, supported by Jahanara, Shah Jahan died on February 22, 1666, at 74. Buried beside Mumtaz in the Taj Mahal, his end closed a chapter of opulence.
The Succession War and Religion: Myth vs Reality
Was this war about religious tolerance vs. orthodoxy? Some historians view it as Dara’s liberalism clashing with Aurangzeb’s zealotry. Others see it as Hindu-Muslim or Shia-Sunni divides. But evidence suggests it was primarily political—Aurangzeb used religious rhetoric to rally support, not as the core motive. Nobles and Rajputs split across lines, not religions. Aurangzeb’s early policies even promised religious neutrality.
In the end, Aurangzeb’s cunning won out, shifting the empire toward stricter rule. For Mughal enthusiasts in the US or Europe exploring this era, it’s a reminder of how family feuds can alter history’s course. If you enjoyed this, check out more on Akbar’s legacy or the Taj Mahal’s secrets!
