The Physical Description of Aurangzeb: Visualizing the Mughal Emperor

Very few historical figures have been as polarizing as the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb Alamgir. As a ruler known for his strict adherence to Islam and sometimes criticized for his harsh methods, his physical appearance is often less discussed. However, a detailed understanding of what Aurangzeb looked like can help in forming a more human perspective on one of the most influential rulers of the Mughal Empire.

Physical Appearance of Aurangzeb: First-Person Accounts

Descriptive accounts of Aurangzeb's appearance come from various reliable sources. For instance, Careri, an Italian traveler, who saw Aurangzeb in 1695 when the emperor was an old man, provided a detailed description. Careri noted that Aurangzeb was of low stature with a large nose and slender build, which may have been the result of an unhealthy childhood. His round, white beard stood out against his olive-colored skin. The now-elderly Aurangzeb may have looked somewhat stooped and prone to long periods of rest.

Another contemporary source, Niccolao Manucci (Eraly's source), gives a comprehensive description of the young Aurangzeb. According to Manucci, Aurangzeb was a short and slender man, carrying the marks of an unhealthy childhood, with an olive complexion, a large nose, and later in life, a stooped posture.

Mughal Art and Portraits of Aurangzeb

The visual art of the Mughal era provides us with a wealth of information about Aurangzeb's physical appearance. During his reign, the Mughal Empire was more connected with other parts of the world, resulting in multiple depictions of the emperor.

Mughal Portraits of Young Aurangzeb: Mughal artists depicted Aurangzeb as a young, energetic, and ambitious ruler, often adorned with jewels. One such depiction is of Aurangzeb meeting with his brothers and father, Shah Jahan, where Aurangzeb can be seen charged down a war elephant, showcasing his bravery and leadership.

Mughal Portraits of Adult Aurangzeb: Artistically, adult depictions of Aurangzeb can be seen in paintings that emphasize his authority and wisdom. One such example is the depiction of Aurangzeb receiving honors from his father at his wedding, showing his importance within the Mughal court.

Mughal Portraits of Elderly Aurangzeb: As Aurangzeb aged, his physical appearance changed. Historical paintings show him with a more stooped posture and a relaxed demeanor, perhaps reflecting the toll of his long reign.

European Perspective on Aurangzeb: European artists also contributed to the visual history of Aurangzeb. For instance, Nicolas de Larmessin and Cornelis Vermeulen created portraits based on Mughal imperial imagery, while other works, such as the engraving from Raynals' book, depict Aurangzeb in a more dramatic and formidable manner, emphasizing his power over East India Company officials in a composition that symbolizes the submission and power dynamics of the time.

Conclusion

The physical description and visual history of Aurangzeb provide a more nuanced understanding of the Mughal Emperor. While he is known for his political and religious policies, a deeper look into his appearance humanizes him and helps us appreciate the complexities of the man who ruled one of the most powerful empires in history.