Under which of the following Mughal emperors were the Marathas a major challenge to the sovereignty of the Mughals?

Correct option is C

The correct answer is (c) Aurangzeb.
· Aurangzeb (1658-1707) faced the Marathas as a significant challenge to Mughal sovereignty. During his reign, the Marathas, under leaders like Shivaji Maharaj, expanded their power and influence, which posed a direct threat to the Mughal Empire, particularly in the Deccan region.
· Aurangzeb’s prolonged military campaigns against the Marathas ultimately drained Mughal resources and contributed to the weakening of the empire.
· Aurangzeb’s policies, including his religious intolerance and heavy taxation, also alienated many sections of society, including the Marathas, leading to intensified resistance.
· This conflict with the Marathas became one of the key factors contributing to the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.
Other Options:
· Humayun: Humayun was involved in rebuilding the Mughal Empire after his return from exile, but the Marathas were not yet a significant force during his reign. Humayun's challenges were more focused on regaining lost territories from the Afghan and Rajput rulers.
· Babur: Babur was the founder of the Mughal Empire and faced challenges from local rulers and the Afghan forces in northern India. The Marathas were not yet a powerful entity during his reign.
· Jahangir: While Jahangir did face some internal rebellions, the Marathas were not yet a major challenge to the Mughal Empire during his time. The Maratha power only began to rise significantly during the reign of Aurangzeb.