‘Ruthless ruler or humble knitter’: Why Aurangzeb made his own prayer caps

Produced by: Manoj Kumar

Knitting Emperor

Aurangzeb, ruler of one of history’s richest empires, knitted prayer caps daily to earn his own living—rejecting royal luxury.

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Frugal King

Despite controlling a vast empire, Aurangzeb refused treasury funds for personal use—selling handmade caps instead to cover expenses.

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Quiet Defiance

Knitting caps wasn’t just a hobby—it was a symbolic act of humility, setting him apart from his lavish Mughal predecessors.

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Religious Duty

Driven by deep Islamic devotion, Aurangzeb believed rulers should work for their own income, following religious calls for self-reliance.

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Political Signal

Some historians argue this habit was a political message, showcasing his piety and austerity to win support from orthodox Islamic factions.

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Contrast Legacy

Unlike Shah Jahan, who built the Taj Mahal, Aurangzeb left no grand tomb, only a simple grave—true to his austere lifestyle.

Caps and Quran

Besides caps, Aurangzeb hand-copied the Quran, using proceeds from its sale to fund his personal needs, avoiding state luxuries.

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Controversial Figure

Known for harsh policies and religious orthodoxy, Aurangzeb’s personal simplicity and discipline show a contrasting side rarely discussed.

Final Humility

Even in death, Aurangzeb chose no grand memorial, asking for a plain grave—a lasting testament to his life of restraint.