Jahangir was the fourth Mughal emperor, known for his love for art, justice, and stability. His reign was marked by political stability, architectural achievements, and foreign relations. However, he faced challenges from rebellions, internal conflicts, and increasing British influence.
Basic Information on Jahangir
- Full Name: Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir
- Born: 31 August 1569 CE
- Birthplace: Fatehpur Sikri, India
- Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty
- Father: Akbar
- Mother: Mariam-uz-Zamani (Rajput wife of Akbar)
- Major Battles: Rebellion of Prince Khusrau, Campaigns against Rajputs and Deccan rulers
- Religious Policy: Followed Akbar’s tolerance policy, but persecuted Sikh Guru Arjan Dev
- Major Achievements: Strengthened Mughal administration, patronized arts, improved trade
- Death: 28 October 1627 CE (Near Lahore, buried in Lahore)
Jahangir’s Accession and Challenges
1. Revolt of Prince Khusrau (1606)
- Jahangir’s eldest son, Khusrau, revolted against him.
- Jahangir defeated him and blinded him as punishment.
- Guru Arjan Dev (5th Sikh Guru) supported Khusrau, leading to his execution, which increased tensions with Sikhs.
2. Conflict with Mewar (Rajput War)
- Continued Akbar’s policy of Rajput alliances, but faced resistance from Rana Amar Singh of Mewar.
- Forced Amar Singh to accept Mughal supremacy (1615 CE).
3. Rebellions in Deccan
- Faced conflicts with Malik Ambar (Ahmadnagar Sultanate).
- Could not completely conquer Deccan, but kept Mughal control over parts of it.
Administration and Policies of Jahangir
1. Justice System (Zanjir-i-Adl – Chain of Justice)
- Introduced Zanjir-i-Adl (Golden Chain of Justice) outside his palace.
- Any citizen could ring the chain to seek justice from the emperor.
2. Religious Policy
- Followed Akbar’s religious tolerance, but mistreated Sikhs after Guru Arjan Dev’s support for Khusrau.
- Maintained good relations with Hindus and Rajputs.
3. Economic and Trade Development
- Encouraged foreign trade with the British and Portuguese.
- Allowed British East India Company to establish trade in Surat (1613 CE).
Jahangir’s Relations with the British and Foreigners
1. British East India Company (1613)
- Allowed British to establish a factory at Surat (1613 CE).
- Captain William Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe visited Jahangir’s court.
- Opened Mughal trade to European merchants.
2. Relations with the Portuguese
- Initially allowed Portuguese to trade, but later fought against them for piracy.
- Captured the Portuguese fort of Daman (1613 CE).
3. Relations with Persia and Central Asia
- Strengthened diplomatic ties with Shah Abbas of Persia.
- Maintained control over Kandahar until Persia captured it in 1622 CE.
Jahangir and Nur Jahan’s Influence (Queen’s Rule)
1. Nur Jahan – The Most Influential Mughal Queen
- Married Nur Jahan (1611 CE), who became the most powerful Mughal queen.
- Nur Jahan was politically active, influencing Mughal policies.
2. Rise of “Nur Jahan Junta” (Powerful Group in Court)
- Nur Jahan, her father Itimad-ud-Daulah, and her brother Asaf Khan controlled court politics.
- Promoted Prince Shah Jahan (her son-in-law), leading to rivalry among princes.
Patronage of Art, Architecture, and Culture
1. Jahangir as a Patron of Arts
- Loved painting and nature – Encouraged Mughal miniatures.
- Had the best court painters (Mansur and Bishandas).
2. Architectural Contributions
- Tomb of Akbar (Sikandra, Agra).
- Shalimar Gardens (Kashmir) – Built by Nur Jahan.
- Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Agra) – First marble Mughal tomb (Nur Jahan’s parents’ tomb).
Jahangir’s Death & Succession (1627 CE)
- Jahangir died in 1627 near Lahore due to ill health.
- Buried in Shahdara, Lahore (now in Pakistan).
- Shah Jahan (his son) became the next Mughal emperor after defeating rival claims.
Comparison: Jahangir vs. Akbar
| Feature | Akbar | Jahangir |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Policy | Sulh-i-Kul (Universal Tolerance) | Tolerant but persecuted Sikhs |
| Rajput Relations | Alliances & Rajput marriages | Forced Mewar to accept Mughal rule |
| Foreign Relations | No direct British presence | Allowed British East India Company (1613) |
| Military Expansion | Deccan and Gujarat conquests | Lost Kandahar to Persia (1622) |
| Cultural Contributions | Fatehpur Sikri, Persian arts | Miniature paintings, Mughal gardens |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Jahangir = “Conqueror of the World” (Title given to him).
- Defeated rebellion of Prince Khusrau (1606), executed Guru Arjan Dev.
- Fought Rajput ruler Rana Amar Singh (Mewar) – 1615.
- Allowed British East India Company to set up a factory at Surat (1613).
- Wife Nur Jahan dominated Mughal politics.
- Lost Kandahar to Persia (1622).
- Died in 1627, buried in Lahore.
- Shah Jahan succeeded him (1627).
MCQs on Jahangir
1. Who was the father of Jahangir?
A) Akbar
B) Babur
C) Humayun
D) Aurangzeb
✅ Answer: A) Akbar
2. Which Mughal emperor introduced the Chain of Justice (Zanjir-i-Adl)?
A) Babur
B) Akbar
C) Jahangir
D) Shah Jahan
✅ Answer: C) Jahangir
3. Which European power was allowed to trade in India during Jahangir’s reign?
A) Portuguese
B) British
C) Dutch
D) French
✅ Answer: B) British
4. Who was the most powerful queen during Jahangir’s reign?
A) Jodha Bai
B) Mumtaz Mahal
C) Nur Jahan
D) Mariam-uz-Zamani
✅ Answer: C) Nur Jahan
5. Which Mughal prince revolted against Jahangir in 1606?
A) Aurangzeb
B) Shah Jahan
C) Prince Khusrau
D) Dara Shikoh
✅ Answer: C) Prince Khusrau
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Jahangir, and what were his achievements?
- What was Zanjir-i-Adl, and why was it important?
- Describe the role of Nur Jahan in Mughal administration.
- Why did Jahangir lose Kandahar to Persia (1622 CE)?
- How did Jahangir support the British East India Company?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss Jahangir’s contributions to Mughal art, culture, and architecture.
- Explain Jahangir’s relations with Rajputs and Sikhs.
- Compare Jahangir’s rule with Akbar’s rule.
- What was Nur Jahan’s role in Mughal politics?
- Describe Jahangir’s foreign policy and its impact on the Mughal Empire.