Aurangzeb's Deccan Campaigns of the 1670s

Timeline

1. 1670–1673Bijapur–Maharashtra border · MaharashtraAurangzeb exploited existing tensions between Bijapur sultan Adil Shah II and the Marathas, demanding the sultanate cooperate in suppressing Shivaji's forces and reinforcing garrisons in the northern Deccan. During this phase the Mughals mainly expanded their influence through the tributary system and diplomatic coercion, without yet launching a full-scale war of conquest against the Deccan sultanates.
2. 1674–1676Maharashtra · MaharashtraAfter Shivaji's coronation in 1674, Aurangzeb ordered the Deccan governor Bahadur Khan and others to lead forces against Maratha forts. The Marathas countered with guerrilla tactics, and both sides scored victories and defeats. The Mughals failed to eradicate the Maratha base but forced Shivaji to temporarily deal with the Mughals and suspend large-scale offensives in 1676–1677.
3. 1678–1679Aurangabad (Mughal Deccan headquarters) · MaharashtraIn 1678–1679, Aurangzeb reinforced Deccan garrisons, exploited internal Maratha divisions (such as Sambhaji's defection to the Mughals) to divide his opponents, and continued demanding tribute and military cooperation from Bijapur and Golconda. The southern campaign strategy gradually shifted from 'containing the Marathas' to 'full control of the Deccan,' preparing the ground for the personal campaigns and wars of annihilation in the 1680s.