The Role of Big Government in Mughal India -- Part 1
In examining the complexities of
Mughal rule in India, it becomes apparent that the central issue transcends simplistic narratives of Hindu
versus Muslim or Aurangzeb versus Dara Shikoh. Rather, at the heart of the matter lies the broader
question of the role of government and the consequences of centralized authority. The Mughal Empire,
like many other historical empires, grappled with the challenges of governance and the balance
of power between
the state and its subjects.
Since the era was
so much before formal political theories were introduced into India, it is not
fair to blame either Aurangzeb and
Dara Shikoh, personally speaking. However, looking objectively, it is hard not
to see the overreach of statist power
repeatedly and consistently over extended periods of time in the context of the Indian subcontinent under the rule of the Mughals.
At its core, the Mughal Empire
was characterized by centralized authority and a strong bureaucratic apparatus. Emperors wielded immense power,
both politically and religiously, exerting control over vast territories and diverse populations. This concentration of
authority enabled rulers like Aurangzeb to
implement policies that reflected their personal beliefs and political
ambitions, often at the expense of individual freedoms and religious pluralism.
However, the problem transcends
the religious divide between Hinduism and Islam or the rivalry between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh.
Instead, it lies in the inherent dangers of unchecked state power, whether exercised through
totalitarianism or religious orthodoxy. When governments possess absolute control over their citizens, regardless of
religious affiliation, the potential for abuse and oppression becomes
all too real.
