1. Religious Policies: Aurangzeb's religious policies, particularly his imposition of the jizya tax on non-Muslims and his destruction of Hindu temples, alienated many of his subjects. His strict interpretation of Islamic law and his intolerance towards other religions led to tensions and conflicts with non-Muslim communities.
2. Succession Struggles: Aurangzeb faced challenges to his authority from his own sons and brothers. The prolonged wars of succession, which involved fierce battles and political intrigue, weakened the Mughal Empire and created instability. These conflicts also diverted resources and attention from other important matters of state.
3. Economic Decline: Aurangzeb's reign saw a decline in the Mughal Empire's economy. His constant military campaigns and the high costs of maintaining a large army strained the empire's resources. Trade and commerce suffered due to the disruption of trade routes and the imposition of heavy taxes. This economic decline led to widespread discontent among the population.
4. Administrative Inefficiency: Aurangzeb's centralized administrative system became increasingly bureaucratic and inefficient. Corruption and mismanagement were rampant, leading to a decline in the quality of governance. The grievances of the people were often ignored, further eroding their trust in the Mughal administration.
5. Maratha Resistance: Aurangzeb's attempts to subdue the Maratha kingdom in southern India met with fierce resistance. The Marathas, led by Shivaji, waged a guerilla warfare against the Mughal forces, inflicting heavy losses and tying down a significant portion of the Mughal army. This prolonged conflict drained the Mughal treasury and sapped the morale of the Mughal soldiers.
6. Social and Cultural Rigidities: Aurangzeb's reign saw a decline in the cultural and intellectual vibrancy that had characterized earlier periods of Mughal rule. He discouraged artistic and literary pursuits, and imposed restrictions on social and cultural practices that did not conform to his conservative Islamic beliefs. This led to a sense of stagnation and a decline in the creative spirit within the empire.
Overall, Aurangzeb's policies and actions during his reign contributed to his unpopularity and the decline of the Mughal Empire. His religious policies, economic mismanagement, military conflicts, and rigid social and cultural policies alienated various segments of the population and weakened the empire's foundations.