Administrative and Religious Policy

• Nur-ud-din Mohammed Salim, known as Jahangir, was the fourth Mughal emperor who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627.
• Jahangir continued the legacy of his father Akbar by maintaining political stability, a strong economy, and cultural achievements.
• Jahangir, though criticized for certain character flaws, possessed enough charisma to become one of the most fascinating and controversial monarchs in Indian history.
• He had 36 years of enriching experience from his father’s diverse policies and a liberal education, with his mother, Jodha Bai, being a Rajput princess.
• Despite his qualifications, Jahangir lacked the strength of Akbar’s character and often succumbed to the influence of his companions.
• As Prince Salim, he rebelled against Akbar, resulting in the killing of Abul Fazl in 1602.
• As Sultan, Jahangir allowed himself to be influenced by Nur Jahan, leading to her eventual rise to power during his failing health in the final years of his reign.
• Nur Jahan’s influence caused factionalism within the Mughal court, which weakened Mughal solidarity and contributed to the decline of the empire.

Administration

• • Jahangir honoured nobles and powerful ministers with titles and dignities to gain their loyalty.
  • He created the Chain of Justice with golden bells for public access to justice.
  • Issued twelve ordinances to regulate various aspects, including cesses, trade, road safety, property inheritance, wine, and punishments.
  • He prohibited the cutting of limbs as punishment and regulated the building of hospitals and the slaughter of animals on certain days.
  • Confirmed mansabs and jagirs for individuals and religious preachers, granting amnesty to prisoners.

Khusrau’s Rebellion

• • Jahangir faced a rebellion from his eldest son, Prince Khusrau, who had previously rebelled with the influence of Raja Man Singh after Akbar’s death.
  • In 1606, Khusrau escaped to Punjab, received blessings from Guru Arjan Singh, and besieged Lahore but was eventually captured and partially blinded.
  • Guru Arjan Singh was executed as a result of his support for Khusrau, with the punishment seen as a penalty for high treason rather than religious persecution.

Jahangir’s Wars

• His principal wars were fought from Qandhar in the north to the Deccan in the south, divided into four key policies:
  1. Rajput policy – led to the subjugation of Mewar in 1614.
  2. Deccan policy – resulted in the capture of Ahmadnagar in 1616.
  3. Policy towards Central Asia – led to the loss of Qandhar in 1622.
  4. Capture of Kangra in 1620.