Aurangzeb, the sixth Mughal Emperor, did use the term "Ghulam-e-Kohistan" or "Mountain Slaves" to refer to the Maratha warriors, who were known for their guerrilla tactics and ability to fight in the hilly terrain of western India. However, it is unclear whether he specifically referred to them as "Mountain Rats."
Aurangzeb's relationship with the Marathas was complex and fraught with conflict. Although he initially tried to subdue them, the Marathas under the leadership of Shivaji successfully resisted Mughal domination and established an independent kingdom in western India. Aurangzeb's later attempts to reassert Mughal control over the region were met with stiff resistance from the Marathas.
The decline of the Mughal Empire can be attributed to a range of factors, including Aurangzeb's policies of religious intolerance and his prolonged military campaigns, which drained the empire's resources. The Marathas were certainly a significant force in the empire's eventual collapse, but they were not the sole cause.
No comments:
Post a Comment