Evaluate the social and cultural achievements of the government of Aurangzeb.

Candidates will make an appraisal of the social and cultural achievements of Aurangzeb, weighing up its strengths and limitations. The achievements may extend beyond the timeframe but they must be clearly linked to the issue raised in the question. Candidates may offer equal coverage of social and cultural successes, or they may prioritize their evaluation of either of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates may refer to Aurangzeb’s order for 500 experts in the field to compile the authoritative Hanafi legal judgments into the Fatawi-I Alamgiri, which became the Islamic code of law for the late Mughal Empire. Candidates may also refer to Aurangzeb’s other social achievements, such as the creation of a just and fair society based on Islamic traditions and values. Other relevant achievements may be considered, for example his promotion of Islamic calligraphy, the production of complicated textiles such as brocade and his building of monuments, but with a focus on the issue in the question. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.