Jahangir (1605-1627)

Nur-ud-din Jahangir, the successor to Akbar, inherited the Mughal throne and its grandeur. Born to a Rajput consort of Akbar, he faced a significant challenge to his rule from his own son, Prince Khusrau. This rebellion, supported by Sikh Mentor Arjun Dev, sought to contest Jahangir’s ascendancy. The ensuing conflict resulted in Prince Khusrau’s defeat, capture, and unfortunate blinding, while Mentor Arjun Dev met a tragic end through execution.

About Jahangir

Jahangir, born on August 31, 1569, in Fatehpur Sikri, present-day Uttar Pradesh, was the son of Mughal Emperor Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani.
Originally named Mirza Nur-ud-din Beig Mohammad Khan Salim, he later assumed the title of Jahangir upon ascending the Mughal throne.
Jahangir’s mother, often referred to as Harkha Bai or Jodhabai, was a Hindu Rajput princess, the daughter of Raja Bihari Mal.
Despite being the eldest son, the absence of primogeniture norms among the Mughals led to a power struggle for the throne.
In 1599, Jahangir revolted against his father while Akbar was engaged in the Deccan, but the rebellion was suppressed upon Akbar’s return to Agra.
With the support of his stepmothers, Jahangir assumed power upon Akbar’s death on November 3, 1605, and ruled until his own death on October 28, 1627.
Early in his reign, Jahangir faced a rebellion by his son Khusrau, who was subsequently blinded as punishment.
Another rebellion by his son Khurram was also settled, and Khurram later became Emperor Shah Jahan.
Jahangir continued the sound administration and policies initiated by his father, contributing to political stability and a thriving economy.
Known for his fondness for art and architecture, Jahangir commissioned, cataloged, and preserved numerous artworks.
Exposure to European art through Jesuit visits influenced his court painters to adopt European styles.
Sir Thomas Roe, the first English ambassador, visited Jahangir’s court, leading to English residency and the establishment of the first English factory in Surat.
Jahangir had conflicts with the Portuguese, retaliating by seizing Daman and granting concessions to the English against the Portuguese.
In 1594, as a prince, Jahangir commanded a force that defeated Vir Singh Deo of Bundela and captured Orchha.
He acquired suzerainty over Cooch Bihar, Mewar, and Kistwar in Kashmir through strategic maneuvers.
Jahangir, often criticized for alleged weaknesses, was known for his addiction to alcohol and opium.
His numerous marriages included Nur Jahan, who is believed to have influenced him in politics.
Jahangir died at 58 in Kashmir while seeking health rejuvenation and was succeeded by his son Khurram from his Rajput wife Jagat Gosaini.

Nur Jahan

Nur Jahan, originally Mehrunnisa, was the 20th wife of the great Mughal Emperor, Jahangir.
Nur Jahan was the daughter of Grand Vizier who formerly had worked under the kingdom of Emperor Akbar.
Nur Jahan was the most powerful and most influential woman in the court during the Mughal Period.
Nur Jahan’s brother was appointed to a noble post – Khan I Saman.

Religion

In the beginning of Jahangir ’s reign, there were expectations in orthodox circles that Akbar’s policy of Sulhi-kul and religious eclecticism would be abandoned, and the supremacy of the sharia restored. However, Jahangir maintained the liberal character of the state instituted by Akbar. He did not seek to revive the Jizya or the pilgrim tax and the Hindus still occupied high office and enjoyed freedom to construct new temples.
Consequently in Mathura, Gokul and Brindaban many new temples were built during his reign. The Christians were also permitted to build and maintain places of worship for themselves. Jahangir also continued to celebrate the various Hindu festivals like Diwali, Holi, Dashera, Rakhi, Shivratri etc. at his court.
Jahangir himself participated in them, as also many of the nobles.
His actions affected only an individual or a particular locality and each instance of alleged religious persecution had some non-religious motive at the base. It is therefore difficult to say that he had adopted a policy of religious intolerance or persecution.

Conquests and Campaigns

Jahangir followed in his father’s footsteps, maintaining and efficiently managing the extensive Mughal Empire while also pursuing military campaigns to expand its territories.
Facing a rebellion in the East led by Usman Khan and supported by Afghan Chiefs and Hindu Rajas, Jahangir dispatched Islam Khan to quell the uprising. After a three-year campaign, Sonargaon was captured, and the resistance was crushed.
Jahangir turned his attention to Deccan, where Malik Ambar challenged Mughal authority. After a defeat by Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khana in 1616, Prince Khurram later subdued Ambar. However, unrest persisted in Deccan, especially after Prince Khurram rebelled against the crown in 1622.
Jahangir successfully settled the longstanding conflict with Mewar. After several unsuccessful campaigns against Rana Amar Singh, Jahangir’s personal involvement in 1613 led to a peace agreement. Prince Karan Singh, Amar Singh’s son, was granted a mansab of 5000.
The Mughals faced a significant threat from Persia when Shah Abbas attempted to capture Kandahar in 1620.
Jahangir sent Prince Khurram to defend the fort, but suspicions and rebellion arose, leading to the Persians seizing control of Kandahar. This loss was detrimental to the Mughal Empire, impacting trade routes between India and Central Asia.
The capture of Kandahar by the Persians posed a serious blow to the Mughal Empire, as it disrupted crucial trade routes between India and Central Asia. Additionally, Kandahar’s strategic location made it easier to defend the empire from potential attacks from Central and West Asia.

Evaluation of Jahangir’s Reign

Jahangir, a skilled ruler and administrator, adeptly maintained Akbar’s administrative framework, contributing to a stable and successful reign lasting twenty-two years.
Demonstrating a keen understanding of circumstances, Jahangir’s rule remained largely successful, reflecting his ability to navigate complexities and challenges.
Jahangir prioritized the well-being of his subjects, particularly benefiting peasants who experienced prosperity under his reign.
Jahangir’s commitment to justice was exemplified by the installation of the golden “chain of justice” in Agra. This symbolic link between citizens and the emperor allowed aggrieved individuals to seek a personal audience by ringing the bells attached to the chain.
Art, literature, and architecture thrived during Jahangir’s rule, contributing to a rich cultural environment. Notably, the enduring beauty of the Mughal gardens in Srinagar stands as a testament to his refined artistic taste.

Read Also: Mughal Emperor Akbar (1556-1605)