This book is an abridged version of the five-volume History of Aurangzib and covers mainly the political and a brief economic history of the reign of the sixth Mughal emperor Aurangzib, the most controversial figure in Indian?history.

The book starts with his initial years and his first Deccan campaign. It discusses the fratricidal wars, followed by his coronation and the confinement of his father Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal emperor. It further deals with the emergence of Shivaji, his attitude towards his Hindu subjects, and his campaigns in the frontier regions (Afghanistan and Assam). It describes the history of Aurangzib's longest struggle with the Maratha chiefs in much greater detail and deals with the eclipse of the Adil Shahi and Qutb Shahi Sultanates. The author ends with the last days of the Mughal emperor. Besides that, it covers Aurangzib's economic and administrative measures, along with a description of his personality?and?the?impact?of?his?reign.