Dara Shikoh, alternatively spelled as Dara Shukoh, was a prominent figure in the Mughal dynasty. Born to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and the brother of emperor Aurangzeb, his life and works hold a significant place in Indian Medieval History, making it an important topic of study for IAS Exam aspirants. Dara Shikoh was born on March 20, 1615.
This article aims to provide you with essential details about Dara Shikoh, beneficial for your UPSC examination preparation. Please note that the notes on Dara Shikoh PDF will be available at the end of the article.
Context:
As of January 2021: The Central government has formed a committee to visit the Humayun’s tomb complex to identify Dara Shikoh’s burial place. (It's important for UPSC aspirants to know the report stating Dara Shikoh’s grave is next to Akbar’s sons Princes Daniyal and Murad’s graves.)
As of August 8, 2021, the Archaeological Survey of India reported that it has not yet located Dara Shikoh’s grave inside Humayun’s tomb.
Candidates can revise the timeline of the Mughal Empire with the list of Mughal Emperors provided in the linked article.
It is recommended for aspirants to study other topics related to Medieval and Modern Indian History, which are crucial for the Civil Services Examination . Check the following links to aid your history preparation:
Dara Shukoh, a notable figure in the Mughal Empire's history, was not only a great philosopher but also deeply spiritual. Reading about his life and times can provide a richer understanding of history for the IAS exam.
Dara Shukoh was born to Prince Khurram (later Emperor Shah Jahan) and his wife Mumtaz Mahal at Taragarh Fort, Ajmer.
His father ascended the throne when he was 12 years old. In 1633, he married his cousin Nadira Banu and remained monogamous throughout his life.
Like every royal Mughal prince, he was made a military commander at a young age. In 1652, he was appointed the governor of Kabul and Multan. Despite being a military man, he was more renowned as a philosopher and intellectual.
Dara Shukoh had a keen interest in various religions. He learned about Hinduism and Christianity from pandits and Christian priests, respectively.
He learned the Sanskrit language and was so inspired by the philosophy in the Upanishads that he translated them into Persian.
He was a devoted follower of Sufism and a model for tolerance. He was a mystic and a poet. He also nurtured a friendship with the 7 th seventh Sikh Guru, Guru Har Rai. All these qualities made him popular with the people but unpopular with the orthodoxy.
Dara Shukoh authored many books, with “ Majma-ul-Bahrain ” being his most famous one. It translates to ‘The confluence of the two seas’ and is a comparative study of Vedanta and Sufism.
He established a library that is still standing in Delhi and maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India. He also commissioned many paintings and architectural wonders.
Shah Jahan greatly favoured him over his other sons, causing animosity between Dara and his brother Aurangzeb. Aurangzeb was a better military commander.
After Shah Jahan fell ill, a power struggle for the throne commenced between his sons. Dara Shukoh was defeated by his brothers Aurangzeb and Murad at the Battle of Samugarh in May 1658. Aurangzeb then deposed his father and assumed power.
After his defeat, Dara Shukoh retreated from Agra and then went to Kathiawar via Thatta in Sindh. He once again met Aurangzeb in battle at Deorai where he was again defeated. After this defeat, he went to Sindh and sought refuge under an Afghan chieftain. Unfortunately, the chieftain betrayed him and handed him over to Aurangzeb’s soldiers.
It is believed that Dara was brought to Delhi and publicly humiliated by his brother. He was then declared a threat to peace and an apostate of Islam. He was executed on August 30, 1659.
In February 2017, the New Delhi Municipal Corporation renamed the Dalhousie Road to Dara Shikoh Road.
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