Emperor Aurangzeb was popularly known as ‘Zinda Pir’ (the Living Saint). This title was given due to his austere lifestyle, strict personal piety, adherence to orthodox Islamic principles and simple dressing. He rejected the royal excesses of his predecessors, earning him a reputation for personal self-denial and religious devotion. The correct answer is (A) Aurangzeb.
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Aurangzeb earned the epithet ‘Zinda Pir’ (Living Saint) because of his rigorously ascetic and pious lifestyle. Unlike earlier Mughal emperors, he refrained from drinking alcohol, avoided costly silks and jewelry and devoted himself to prayer. To finance his personal expenses, he reportedly earned a small income by stitching prayer caps and copying the Quran. This personal religious orthodoxy and rejection of imperial luxury, combined with his strict imposition of Sharia law on the empire, solidified his image as a virtuous Muslim ruler.