Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya (a tax on non-Muslims) in the year:

Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, in 1679, more than a century after Akbar had abolished it.

About the jizya:

• It was a tax collected from non-Muslims in Islamic states, in return for protection and exemption from military service.
• Women, children, the old, the disabled, the poor and religious persons were usually exempted.
• It was collected at different rates according to the wealth of the person.
• Akbar had abolished it in 1564 as part of his policy of religious tolerance.

Why Aurangzeb reimposed it:

Historians give different explanations:

• Aurangzeb wanted to rule according to Islamic law (Sharia), and to win the support of the orthodox ulema.
• Some historians point to the need to rally Muslim opinion at a time of rebellions by the Marathas, Rajputs and others.
• It also provided additional revenue at a time of heavy military expenditure.
• The jizya was collected by special officials (amins), which also gave employment to many orthodox scholars.

Reactions:

• Many Hindus, including merchants and the common people, protested against it.
• In Delhi, crowds gathered to protest, and the protesters were dispersed by elephants, according to one account.
• Shivaji is said to have written a letter to Aurangzeb protesting against the jizya.

Exemptions and difficulties:

• The tax was difficult to collect, and many officials were corrupt.
• It was remitted (stopped) in the Deccan during famines.

Its end:

• It was abolished in 1712-13 by Jahandar Shah and Farrukhsiyar, partly under the influence of their ministers.
• Muhammad Shah finally abolished it in 1720.

Other policies of Aurangzeb:

• He banned the construction of new temples, and ordered the destruction of some temples, especially in times of conflict.
• He also gave grants to many temples and Brahmanas.
• He appointed many Rajputs and Marathas to high mansabs.

Why not the other options?

• ✗1659, 1669 and 1689 are not the year of the jizya's reimposition.