This talk examines the development of the imperial eunuchate during Emperor Aurangzeb's reign (1658-1707). Although the imperial eunuchate played an important role in the Mughal Empire from the middle of the sixteenth century onwards, Emperor Aurangzeb relied more heavily on eunuchs to press imperial goals than previous Mughal rulers. This dependence increased as he aged and faced political and military challenges on multiple fronts. This talk offers the first serious scholarly attempt to grapple with the complicated and long overlooked role of imperial eunuchs during Aurangzeb's reign and in seventeenth century Mughal India.

Munis D. Faruqui is a historian and Associate Professor in the Department of South and Southeast Asian Studies. He focuses on the Muslim experience in South Asia, especially during the Mughal period. His books include "Princes of the Mughal Empire, 1504-1719" (Cambridge, 2012), "Expanding Frontiers in South Asian and World History" (co-edited with Richard Eaton, David Gilmartin and Sunil Kumar)(Cambridge, 2013), and "Religious Interactions in Mughal India" (co-edited with Vasudha Dalmia)(Oxford, 2014). Dr. Faruqui is currently working on a book focused on the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb (r. 1658-1707).