Aurangzeb Family Tree: The Story Behind The Last Major Mughal Emperor

Muhi-ud-Din Muhammad Aurangzeb Alamgir, born 3 November 1618 in Dahod, Mughal Empire (now Gujarat), was the sixth Mughal Emperor (1658–1707) — the last to govern the empire at its greatest territorial extent. He died 3 March 1707 at age 88.

The Family's Roots: The Mughal Imperial Dynasty

The Mughal dynasty descended from Timur (Tamerlane) and Genghis Khan. Aurangzeb was the third son of Shah Jahan.

His Parents

Father: Shah Jahan (1592–1666) — Mughal Emperor 1628–1658; builder of the Taj Mahal; imprisoned by Aurangzeb at the Agra Fort from 1658 until his death.

Mother: Mumtaz Mahal (1593–1631) — Persian princess; died in childbirth giving birth to her 14th child (1631); the Taj Mahal was built for her.

His Brothers

Dara Shukoh (1615–1659) — eldest brother; Sufi-inclined; Shah Jahan's chosen heir; defeated and executed by Aurangzeb in 1659.

Shah Shuja (1616–1661) — older brother; fled to Burma after defeat by Aurangzeb.

Murad Bakhsh (1624–1661) — younger brother; allied with Aurangzeb, then betrayed and executed by him.

His Sister

Jahanara Begum (1614–1681) — elder sister; sided with Dara Shukoh; later forgave Aurangzeb; spiritual leader.

Roshanara Begum — elder sister; sided with Aurangzeb.

His Wife: Dilras Banu Begum

Dilras Banu Begum (1622–1657) — Persian princess; Aurangzeb's first wife and the only one he formally married.

His Sons (succession line)

Muhammad Sultan (1639–1676).

Muhammad Mu'azzam (Bahadur Shah I) (1643–1712) — succeeded Aurangzeb as 7th Mughal Emperor 1707–1712.

Muhammad Azam Shah (1653–1707).

Muhammad Akbar (1657–1706).

The Mughal Family Tree at a Glance

Grandfather: Jahangir (1569–1627) — 4th Mughal Emperor.

Father: Shah Jahan (1592–1666) — 5th Mughal Emperor; imprisoned by Aurangzeb 1658–66.

Mother: Mumtaz Mahal (1593–1631) — died giving birth to her 14th child.

Brothers: Dara Shukoh (executed 1659); Shah Shuja (fled 1661); Murad Bakhsh (executed 1661).

Wife: Dilras Banu Begum (1622–1657).

Sons: Bahadur Shah I (1643–1712) — succeeded as 7th emperor.

Aurangzeb:

  • Born 3 November 1618, Dahod
  • Multiple Deccan campaigns from 1635
  • Succession war with brothers (1658–59); defeated Dara Shukoh at Samugarh 1658; imprisoned Shah Jahan; executed Dara 1659
  • Crowned Emperor: 31 July 1658 — title "Alamgir" (Conqueror of the World)
  • Reign: 1658–1707
  • Reintroduced Jizya tax on non-Muslims (1679)
  • Expanded Mughal Empire to greatest territorial extent (~4 million sq km)
  • 27-year Deccan campaign (1681–1707) — drained the treasury
  • Died 3 March 1707, Ahmednagar, age 88

What the Mughal Family Story Teaches Us

A Taj-Mahal-builder father imprisoned by Aurangzeb. A mother lost in childbirth at 38. Three brothers (one executed, one fled, one betrayed and executed). A son who inherited a weakening empire.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Aurangzeb story carries the same lesson. Some family successions are violent. The 1658–59 Mughal civil war is on the family record alongside the 1631 Taj Mahal.

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