Rise of Aurangzeb

Timeline

1. 1641–1644Aurangabad · MaharashtraIn the final period of his viceroyalty in the Deccan, Aurangzeb continued to take part in military operations against Bijapur, Golconda, and other powers, honing his ability to command large-scale sieges and logistics, and building a corps of loyal officers.
2. 1644Ahmedabad · GujaratShah Jahan appointed Aurangzeb governor of Gujarat. After taking up the post he reformed military and civil administration, audited taxes, and became known for governing according to strict religious law, establishing a firm governing base at a key node of the northwestern trade routes.
3. 1645–1650Gujarat and surroundings · GujaratBy around 1650 Aurangzeb stood out among the princes through military merit, revenue resources, and an image of religious orthodoxy. His generals and administrative staff later became the core of his faction in the struggle for the throne, standing in sharp opposition to Dara Shikoh's courtly cultural course.