Reimposition of Jazia by Aurangzeb

The reimposition of Jazia by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1679 marked one of the most controversial events of his reign. The tax, which had been abolished by his great-grandfather Akbar, symbolised a shift in imperial policy from religious tolerance to a more orthodox Islamic outlook. The measure had significant political, fiscal, and religious implications and has remained a subject of considerable historical debate.

Historical Background

The Jazia (or Jizya) was a poll tax levied on non-Muslim subjects (dhimmis) in an Islamic state. The tax originated in early Islamic governance as a form of protection money — non-Muslims who paid Jazia were exempted from military service and assured safety of life, property, and freedom to practise their religion under Muslim rule.
In medieval India, the tax was first introduced by the Delhi Sultans, notably Alauddin Khalji and Firoz Shah Tughlaq, as part of the Islamic fiscal system. However, its implementation varied according to the ruler’s policies and the political context.
When the Mughals established their empire, Emperor Akbar (1556–1605) adopted a policy of religious tolerance and inclusiveness. As part of his broader policy of Sulh-i-Kul (universal peace), he abolished Jazia in 1564, aiming to integrate his Hindu subjects into the imperial framework and promote communal harmony. The tax remained abolished during the reigns of Jahangir and Shah Jahan, continuing the tradition of religious conciliation.

Aurangzeb’s Policy Shift

When Aurangzeb Alamgir (reigned 1658–1707) ascended the throne, he gradually reversed many of Akbar’s liberal policies. A devout Sunni Muslim, Aurangzeb sought to align state policies more closely with Islamic law (Sharia). His rule was characterised by a combination of political consolidation, administrative discipline, and religious orthodoxy.
In 1679, Aurangzeb reimposed the Jazia tax after a gap of over a century. The order was issued through an imperial farmān (edict) from the Mughal court at Delhi. The announcement coincided with a period of internal unrest, external threats, and increasing financial strain on the empire due to prolonged military campaigns in the Deccan and the north-west.

Reasons for the Reimposition

The reintroduction of Jazia by Aurangzeb was influenced by a combination of religious, political, and economic factors:

• Religious Motivation:Aurangzeb considered himself the defender of orthodox Islam and believed that the state should be governed according to Islamic principles. The Jazia, sanctioned by Islamic law, was viewed as a legitimate obligation on non-Muslims in a Muslim-ruled state.
• Fiscal Considerations:The Mughal treasury faced heavy expenditure from wars in the Deccan against the Marathas and other regional powers. The Jazia served as an additional source of revenue, especially when existing tax systems were under strain.
• Political Symbolism:The tax reinforced Aurangzeb’s image among the orthodox Muslim clergy (Ulema) as a ruler devoted to the propagation of Islam. It also aimed to assert imperial authority over a vast and diverse population.
• Administrative Context:The reimposition coincided with Aurangzeb’s broader efforts to enforce moral and religious discipline in the empire — including bans on gambling, music in court, and wine consumption — reflecting his personal piety and austere governance.

Implementation of Jazia

Under Aurangzeb’s directive, the Jazia was collected from adult non-Muslim males, with exemptions granted to women, children, the elderly, the disabled, and beggars. The rates varied according to economic status: the wealthy paid the highest rate, the middle class paid less, and the poor paid a minimal amount.
The revenue was earmarked for the imperial treasury but also justified as a means of protecting non-Muslim subjects under Islamic law. Local officials, often assisted by religious scholars, supervised its collection.
However, in practice, the administration of the tax was uneven. Many Mughal officers — both Hindu and Muslim — opposed the measure, fearing it would alienate the empire’s large non-Muslim population, which formed the backbone of its agrarian and administrative systems.

Reaction and Opposition

The reimposition of Jazia provoked widespread resentment among the Hindu population and led to discontent in various regions of the empire. The tax was perceived as a discriminatory measure that violated the spirit of religious coexistence established by earlier emperors.
Several contemporary sources record public protests in Delhi, where large numbers of Hindus, including Brahmins, staged demonstrations before the imperial court. Aurangzeb’s response was stern; although he did not withdraw the order, he instructed officials to ensure orderly collection and prevent harassment.
Notably, some sections of the Mughal nobility and administration — including Hindu courtiers and officials — expressed dissatisfaction, fearing that the policy might destabilise the delicate balance that sustained the empire’s pluralistic character.

Historical Interpretations

Historians differ in their interpretation of Aurangzeb’s motives and the actual impact of the Jazia:

• Some view the measure as evidence of religious intolerance and bigotry, arguing that it alienated large segments of the population and accelerated the decline of the Mughal Empire.
• Others interpret it as a symbolic gesture aimed at placating the conservative Muslim clergy rather than a sustained effort to oppress non-Muslims. Evidence suggests that the tax’s collection was often irregular and that many regions were effectively exempt.
• A third perspective sees the reimposition primarily as an economic decision, intended to raise funds rather than enforce conversion or religious dominance.