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How did Aurangzeb take the Mughal throne from Shah Jahan?

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Mughal emperors Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan — Mughal dynasty Emperors (from left, seated) Jahangir, Akbar, and Shah Jahan are depicted with their ministers (foreground) and Prince Dara Shikoh in a watercolor from India, c. 1630–40.

Aurangzeb’s ascent to the Mughal throne was the result of a violent war of succession triggered by Shah Jahan’s serious illness in September 1657.123

When the emperor fell ill, his four sons—Dara Shikoh, Murad Bakhsh, Shah Shuja, and Aurangzeb—competed for power. Aurangzeb, who had distinguished himself as a capable military commander and viceroy of the Deccan, utilized his strategic skills and ruthless determination to defeat his brothers. A decisive victory over his eldest brother, Dara Shikoh, at the Battle of Samugarh in May 1658 proved pivotal.243

Following this success, Aurangzeb confined his father, Shah Jahan, to the Agra Fort, where the former emperor remained strictly imprisoned until his death. Aurangzeb subsequently crowned himself emperor in July 1658, further consolidating his rule by executing his brothers and other potential rivals.243