Shifting Sands of Time: Aurangzeb's Portrayal in Urdu Historiography

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to meticulously analyze the representation of Aurangzeb within the context of Urdu historiography. In order to achieve this objective, it is crucial to have a comprehensive understanding of the intricate development of Urdu historiography, which may be observed through the lens of three major phases. This historical inquiry follows a chronological trajectory, beginning with the turbulent events of the Indian Rebellion of 1857 and extending its narrative to encompass subsequent developments up to the present day. Over an extended period of time, the field of Urdu historiography experienced significant transformations, which were caused by a multitude of political and social upheavals. These transformative factors have had a lasting impact on the fundamental characteristics and core of Urdu historiographical literature. As a result, the changes in the historiographical terrain had an inevitable impact on the representation and portrayal of Aurangzeb in Urdu literature. The primary objective of the paper is to analyze the transformative shifts that occurred in the portrayal of the Mughal emperor Aurangzeb within the context of Urdu historiography as it progressed through several historical periods.