In 1679, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb reimposed the jizya, a tax levied on non-Muslims, which marked a significant shift in the religious policies of the Mughal Empire. This move was part of Aurangzeb's broader agenda to promote Islamic orthodoxy and diminish the syncretic practices that had characterized earlier Mughal rule. The reintroduction of the jizya intensified Hindu-Muslim tensions and contributed to the eventual decline of the Mughal Empire.

Aurangzeb's reimposition of the jizya tax on Hindus in 1679 not only incited political unrest but also inspired a flourishing of devotional poetry among Hindus and Sikhs. Poets such as Kabir and Guru Nanak articulated themes of spiritual resilience and resistance, using their verses to challenge oppression and celebrate faith amidst adversity.