A LITERALLY FORGOTTEN JAIPUR STATE RECORDS
UNIQUE RECORDED EPISODES OF LIFE OF EMPEROR AURANGZEB

Maulana Yusuf Ali Khan Librarian of Records published research

The merit of life of Maulana Yusuf Ali Khan is above reproach. He carried certificates from the Government in Jaipur. He came across newsletters which reached Jaipur and consulted them and took out a book on the unknown life of Aurangzeb Alamgeer. Published in Karachi in 1951, it is worthy of records elsewhere too.

The Newsletter narrates the arrival of Dara Shikoh in Delhi and the lockup of father and son in Khizarpur prison. The interesting part is that father and son declined to receive food from outside and used to cook their own food. Then there is the letter of Dara Shikoh to Aurangzeb, apologizing for everything, and telling him that he has no no desire for the throne and he be allowed to live. Dara Shikoh promised to pray for Aurangzeb and his sons, all his life. It seems that everything was driven out of the Prince in this capture alone. The zeal was gone.

Another very interesting feature is the burial of Dara Shikoh in Humayouns courtyard. Aurangzeb Alamgeer had seen to it that Dara Shikoh should be buried properly there. News reaches the Emperor, that the grave is no longer in good repair. Aurangzeb Alamgeer issues orders for the immediate, and proper repair of the grave, as well as appointment of Caretakers to take care of it. Orders were also issued for it to be covered with a proper dignified chaddar (cloth) all the time. Upholding of such traditions, tell us of the attitude of Aurangzeb towards his dead brother. Given honour and dignity even after death.

This may look amazing to some, but then Aurangzeb Alamgeer is the most misquoted and misunderstood Mughal Emperor of Hindustan. There is so much animosity against him, that no one is interested in hearing the truth about him. There is much more in the records at Jaipur. In another blog, yes!