History of Aurangzib, Based on Original Sources v3.c36.s3.1

v3.c36.s3.1

Early in the 5th year of his reign, Aurangzib had a severe illness,[*] which was aggravated by his obstinate devotion to work and religious austerities. The days of Ramzan (10 April—9 May, 1662) were extremely hot and long, and this being the month of the fast, the Emperor could not quench his thirst or repose in bed during the day-time, but transacted business, tried cases, and performed his prayers as regularly as in other seasons. It used to be midnight before he finished his prayers and other duties and found time to take his meals which were scanty and simple like a hermit's, so as to be in keeping with the character of the holy month. Even his nights were devoted to prayer, and if sleep stole on his eyelids and he reclined in bed, he would start up at the first consciousness of it and then begin to count his beads again! Thus, overwork and lack of sleep and proper nourishment during an entire month in the frightful heat of a Delhi summer, greatly weakened him and his body became full of pain. Even when the period of fasting ended, he gave himself no greater repose, but insisted on holding Court twice daily and doing regular work in spite of ill health.