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In history, some rulers have inscribed their names in golden words not only through their political power but also through their passion for the arts. One such figure was Emperor Jahangir, the fourth ruler of the Mughal Empire. Jahangir ruled from 1605 to 1627 until his death. He was known for his love of art and culture, but also his cruelty and indecisiveness. Let’s know more about the Mughal Emperor Jahangir and all about his influence and legacy.
Contents
| Year | Event |
| 1605 | Jahangir ascended the throne |
| 1611 | Marriage to Nur Jahan |
| 1614 | Captured Mewar’s Rana Amar Singh |
| 1620 | Introduced Zanjir-i-Adl for public justice |
| 1627 | Death of Jahangir at Rajauri (present-day Kashmir) |
Mughal Emperor Jahangir: Early Life
Born Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim, Jahangir was born in 1569, the third and only surviving son of Akbar the Great. He was a bright and intelligent child, but he was also willful and rebellious. In 1599, he rebelled against his father but was eventually defeated and imprisoned.
After Akbar died in 1605, Jahangir ascended to the throne. He was a popular ruler at first, and he made some significant reforms, such as abolishing the death penalty for petty theft. However, he also became increasingly addicted to alcohol and opium, and his rule became more erratic.
Learnings of Mughal Emperor Jahangir
Salim started his early education at the age of 5. He was proficient in multiple languages, including Turkish, Hindi, and Persian.
- Moreover, he was also skilled in different subjects, including Arithmetic, History, Geography, and more.
- During his lifetime, Jahangir composed numerous poems and crafted mesmerising art.
- Jahangir also received training in civil and military administration.
- During the Kabul expedition of 1581, he was earlier assigned for the management of troops, but soon got promoted to the post of Army Officer in 1585.
- However, he grew impatient and hungry for power and launched a massive rebellion against his own father in 1599. But his attempts to conquer the throne were unsuccessful.
Struggle for the Throne
In history, some rulers have inscribed their names in golden words not only through their political power but also through their passion for the arts. One such figure was Emperor Jahangir, the fourth ruler of the Mughal Empire. But before he ascended the throne, Jahangir was embroiled in power struggles, even rebelling against his father, Akbar.
He declared himself king in 1599, years before Akbar died in 1605, reflecting his impatience and ambition. This rebellion caused a temporary rift, but eventually, Akbar forgave him. This period of conflict shows a strong desire of Jahangir for power and the political tension that defined the Mughal court’s succession dynamics.
Comparison: Jahangir vs. Akbar vs. Shah Jahan
| Emperor | Religious Policy | Art & Architecture | Administrative Focus |
| Akbar | Highly tolerant, Din-i Ilahi | Founded Fatehpur Sikri, Ibadat Khana | Centralised power, the Mansabdari system |
| Jahangir | Moderate tolerance, some rigidity | Patron of miniature painting | Continued Akbar’s policies with slight reforms |
| Shah Jahan | More orthodox, Sunni bias | Built the Taj Mahal | Strong central authority, expanded territory |
Also Read: How Akbar the Great Died: A Historical Insight
Relationship with Nur Jahan
Emperor Jahangir and Nur Jahan shared a deep and influential relationship in Mughal history. Nur Jahan, originally named Mehr-un-Nissa, married Jahangir in 1611 and quickly became his favourite wife. Her intelligence, beauty, and political acumen earned her a powerful position in the court. She was not only a companion but also an active partner in governance, often issuing royal orders and even coins in her name.
Jahangir trusted her greatly, and her influence over him was profound. Their partnership was marked by mutual respect and admiration. Nur Jahan’s role in the Mughal empire was unique, as she broke the traditional boundaries of a queen’s role and emerged as a powerful figure in politics, diplomacy, and culture. Their relationship remains a remarkable example of love and power in Indian history
Jahangir as a Patron of Art
Emperor Jahangir was a great patron of art, especially painting. He had a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for beauty and nature. Under his rule, Mughal painting reached new heights of refinement and realism. He encouraged artists to create portraits, nature studies, and scenes of court life. Jahangir also loved painting animals, birds, and flowers, often with scientific accuracy. He established royal workshops where talented artists like Ustad Mansur and Abul Hasan flourished.
Jahangir’s passion for art also included collecting rare artworks and commissioning illustrated manuscripts. His reign marked a blend of Persian and Indian artistic styles, resulting in a unique Mughal aesthetic. Through his support and personal interest, Jahangir helped shape one of the richest periods in Indian art history.
| Name of Artist | Work Done | Contribution of Jahangir |
| Ustad Mansur | Detailed paintings of birds and animals | Honoured him with the title Nadir-ul-Asr |
| Abul Hasan | Court scenes and portraits | Commissioned works for the imperial albums |
| Bichitr | Realistic portraits | Encouraged detailed and observational techniques |
Also Read: Who Is The Father Of Akbar?
Jahnagir’s Love for Nature
Jahangir had a deep and genuine love for nature, which he often expressed in his writings. In his memoir, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, he wrote, “The world is a picture, and each day it produces a new scene,” highlighting his admiration for the natural world.
He was also a keen observer of plants, animals, and birds, and took great interest in recording their details. His court welcomed naturalists and artists who captured the beauty of nature in fine paintings. These artworks reflected his desire to preserve and celebrate the rich biodiversity of the Mughal Empire with remarkable accuracy and artistic expression.
| Name of Building or Place Built or Commissioned By Jahangir | Location |
| Shalimar Gardens | Srinagar, Kashmir |
| Akbar’s Tomb (completed by Jahangir) | Sikandra, Agra |
| Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah | Agra |
| Jahangir’s Tomb | Lahore, Pakistan |
| Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) | Lahore Fort |
| Promotion of Mughal miniature painting | Mughal Empire |
Religious Policy of Mughal Emperor Jahangir
In history, some rulers have inscribed their names in golden words not only through their political power but also through their passion for the arts. One such figure was Emperor Jahangir, the fourth ruler of the Mughal Empire. Jahangir’s religious policy reflected both Akbar’s liberal legacy and his pragmatism. Though he upheld Islam, he continued the policy of tolerance toward other religions.
He permitted the building of temples and churches and engaged in dialogues with Hindu, Jain, and Christian scholars. However, there were moments of religious rigidity, especially in his treatment of certain sects. His policies reveal a complex blend of personal belief and statecraft, aimed at maintaining harmony in a diverse empire. Jahangir’s reign was thus marked by an attempt to balance orthodoxy with inclusivity.
Also Read: Prithviraj Chauhan Biography: Early Life, Birth and Important Battles
Zanjir-I-adl
- Although Jahangir was strict towards his family members, he was renowned for his fairness and justice.
- One of his major works in accordance with these qualities was the famous Golden Chain of Justice, also known as Zanjir-I-adl.
- It was a chain attached to multiple bells. So, when a citizen enters the palace, they can simply pull the chain which will ring the bells and summon the presence of the emperor. This was simply installed for citizens seeking justice from the ruling empire.
Dastur-ul-Almal
Interestingly, Jahangir issued the famous Dastur-ul-Almal or the twelve rules of conduct for the welfare of his people.
- He abolished numerous taxes imposed by the Subedar on common people. This includes the Tagma and Meerwahi taxes.
- He banned animal slaughter for two days a week, including Thursday (his coronation day) and Sunday, which was the day of his father.
- Jahangir started the construction of mosques and sarais all over the region.
- He ordered that the property of the dead would be passed on to the legal heirs. In case the property remains unclaimed, it would go to the state. Most importantly, the income from such properties would be used for public welfare.
- Jahangir imposed a ban on the manufacture and sale of intoxicants.
- He disallowed the common practice of mutilating the limbs of the criminals.
- He disallowed landlords from forcibly occupying the land of poor farmers.
- Akbar reinstated the Mansabdari system and appointed mansabdars during his reign.
- Convicts serving longer periods were released from the jail.
- Jagirs granted to religious institutions were allowed to remain in their hands.
- Jahangir established numerous hospitals and appointed experienced hakims for effective treatment.
Jahangir’s reign was marked by violence and cruelty. He executed several of his relatives, including his son Khusrau Mirza. He also waged several wars, including a long and costly conflict with the Portuguese in the Deccan.
Legacy of Jahangir
Jahangir died in 1627 and was succeeded by his son Shah Jahan. He was a complex and contradictory figure, but he left a lasting legacy on Mughal India. His reign was marked by both great achievements and great tragedies. He was a man of many contradictions, and his legacy is still debated today.
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FAQs
Ans. Jahangir was the fourth emperor of the Mughal Empire, the son of Akbar the Great. He ruled from 1605 to 1627 and was known for his love of art, justice, and nature.
Ans. Jahangir is famous for introducing the golden “Chain of Justice”, encouraging art and miniature painting, and strengthening the Mughal Empire through diplomacy and patronage of culture.
Ans. Jahangir had a complex relationship with his father Akbar, even rebelling at one point. He later ruled successfully and married Nur Jahan, who became a powerful influence in his court.
Ans. Jahangir promoted Mughal painting, nature-based themes, and Persian artistic styles. Though less involved in architecture than his predecessors, he supported garden construction and fine arts.
Ans. Jahangir died in 1627 during a journey to Kashmir. He was succeeded by his son Shah Jahan, who later built the Taj Mahal and expanded the empire.
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