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Jahangir, also spelled as Jehangir, served as the fourth emperor of the Mughal dynasty. He was born on August 31, 1569, in Fatehpur Sikri, India, to Akbar the Great and Mariam-uz-Zamani. Jahangir ruled the Mughal empire from 1605 until he passed away in 1627.
Initially, Jahangir desired the throne and rebelled against his father, Akbar, in 1599 while Akbar was away in the Deccan. However, they later reconciled, and Akbar confirmed Salim (Jahangir) as his successor.
Upon becoming emperor, Salim chose the name Jahāngīr, which means “World Seizer” in Persian. During his 22-year rule, he expanded the Mughal empire and had conflicts with the Sikh community. Jahangir had personal struggles with alcohol and addiction, which had consequences for his health. He eventually passed away on October 28, 1627.
Today, Jahangir’s mausoleum, known as the Tomb of Jahangir, located in Shahdara, is a popular tourist attraction in Lahore.
Overview
| Related Information | |
| Jahangir full name | Salim Nûr ud-Din Muhammad |
| Jahangir Date of Birth | September 9, 1569 |
| When did Jahangir died | October 28, 1627 |
Jahangir Childhood and Early Life
Jahangir, originally named Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim, was born on August 31, 1569, in Fatehpur Sikri. His father, Akbar, had faced the tragic loss of his previous children in infancy, leading him to seek blessings from holy places. Eventually, through prayers, Akbar and his wife Marium-uz-Zamani, also known as Jodha Bai, were blessed with a baby boy named Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim. He was named after a Sufi saint, Salim Chishti, who had previously blessed Akbar.
As a young prince, Jahangir rebelled against his father for various reasons. In 1599, he even revolted against Akbar to claim the throne. However, they later reconciled. When Akbar was on his deathbed on October 27, 1605, he declared Jahangir as his successor. Jahangir became the ruler of the Mughal dynasty at the age of thirty-six, despite some doubts among administrators and ministers who questioned his suitability due to his alcohol addiction.
Jahangir’s own son, Khusrau Mirza, also rebelled and claimed to be the rightful heir to his grandfather’s throne. After Akbar’s death and Jahangir’s self-coronation, Khusrau Mirza continued to oppose Jahangir. They engaged in a battle at Bhairowal, where Jahangir’s forces defeated Khusrau Mirza. Khusrau Mirza was brought to Delhi, and despite being the emperor’s son, he was sentenced to death on January 26, 1622, by his brother, Prince Khurram, who later became known as Shah Jahan and was considered Jahangir’s favorite son.
Jahangir first wife
Jahangir’s first wife was Manmati, also known as Man Bai. She held a significant place in the life of the Mughal emperor Jahangir, and their marriage was a union of political and personal significance.
Man Bai was the daughter of Raja Bhagwan Das, a trusted noble in Akbar’s court. Her marriage to Jahangir in 1585 was, in part, a strategic move to strengthen the relationship between the Mughal Empire and Rajput kingdoms. This alliance served to promote harmony and stability in the empire.
Man Bai was known for her intelligence, charm, and artistic talents. She was deeply interested in poetry and art and had a keen appreciation for culture. Her marriage to Jahangir not only solidified the political ties between the Mughals and the Rajputs but also enriched the Mughal court’s cultural milieu.
Despite the challenges and intrigues of the Mughal court, Man Bai and Jahangir’s marriage seemed to be one of mutual respect and affection. They had a son named Khusrau Mirza, who later became involved in a succession dispute.
Unfortunately, Man Bai’s life was cut short when she passed away in 1604, leaving Jahangir deeply saddened. Her memory lived on through the patronage of arts and culture during Jahangir’s reign, as she had played a pivotal role in promoting these aspects of Mughal life.
Jahangir Wife list
Here is the information about Jahangir’s wives presented in a table:
| Wife’s Name | Marriage Year | Background | Significance |
| Man Bai (Manmati) | 1585 | Daughter of Raja Bhagwan Das, Rajput noble | First and prominent wife |
| Jagat Gosain | 1591 | Daughter of Jagat Singh, gave birtd to Khusrau Mirza | Motder of Jahangir’s eldest son |
| Sahib-i-Jamal Begum | 1593 | Daughter of Muhammad Sharif, Persian background | |
| Nur un-Nissa Begum | 1611 | Known as Nur Jahan, influential and beloved wife | Noted for her intelligence and influence |
| Maliha Banu Begum | 1606 | Daughter of Sharifullah Khan, noble background | |
| Ladli Begum (Shah Begum) | 1619 | Daughter of Mirza Muzaffar Hussain, cousin of Nur Jahan |
Jahangir favourite wife
Jahangir’s favorite wife was Mehr-un-Nisa, who later received the title “Nur Jahan,” meaning “Light of the World.” Nur Jahan was born in 1577 and married Jahangir in 1611 after her first husband’s death. She quickly became one of the most influential and powerful empresses in Mughal history.
Nur Jahan was renowned for her beauty, intelligence, and strong personality. She played a pivotal role in the administration of the Mughal Empire during Jahangir’s reign. Jahangir had immense trust in her judgment and often sought her advice on matters of state. Nur Jahan’s remarkable political acumen and diplomacy were evident in her handling of various affairs of the empire.
During her time as empress, she issued orders, managed the court, and even had coins minted in her name. She was also known for her patronage of the arts, which flourished under her influence. Nur Jahan’s passion for architecture and gardens resulted in the creation of some stunning structures and landscapes, including the famous Nur Jahan’s Tomb in Lahore.
Nur Jahan’s love story with Jahangir is celebrated for its depth and passion, and her influence on the Mughal court was substantial. While her role in politics and governance has been a subject of debate among historians, there’s no doubt that she left an indelible mark on the Mughal Empire and is remembered as one of the most iconic empresses in Indian history.
Jahangir Father Name
Jahangir’s father’s name was Akbar the Great, one of the most renowned emperors in the history of the Mughal Empire and India. Akbar, whose full name was Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar, ruled from 1556 to 1605 and is often celebrated for his contributions to governance, culture, and religious tolerance.
Akbar’s reign was marked by a series of reforms and policies that aimed to consolidate and strengthen the Mughal Empire. He implemented a policy of religious tolerance, which was particularly significant in a diverse and multi-religious society like India. He promoted cultural exchanges, art, and literature, leading to the flourishing of the Mughal Renaissance. Akbar’s administrative reforms, including the introduction of a centralized system and land revenue reforms, laid the foundation for effective governance.
Akbar’s reign also saw significant military conquests and the expansion of the Mughal Empire across the Indian subcontinent. His commitment to inclusivity and diplomacy allowed him to maintain a vast and diverse empire.
Jahangir, his son, inherited this rich legacy from his father, and while his reign had its unique characteristics and challenges, the foundation laid by Akbar greatly influenced the course of Mughal history. Akbar’s rule remains a pivotal period in India’s history and is remembered for its enduring impact on the country’s culture and governance.
Jahangir and His Religious View
Jahangir wasn’t highly religious but practiced Islam and believed in God, following his father’s example. He treated people fairly regardless of their religion, not favoring Muslims over Hindus in terms of power or taxes.
However, Jahangir had a strained relationship with the fifth Sikh Guru, Guru Arjun Dev, leading to ongoing tension between Sikhs and the Mughals. He even ordered Guru Arjun Dev’s execution, which made many people dislike him.
Despite these tensions, Jahangir had a fascination with Christian themes due to his interest in European art and culture. This interest allowed the British to engage in trade in India, strengthening their relationship with Jahangir. He also imported and exported paintings with European countries through artists in his court.
When Did Jahangir Died?
Jahangir struggled with alcohol addiction early in his life, and by 1627, his health had deteriorated significantly. He tried to improve his health by visiting places like Kabul and Kashmir, but unfortunately, it didn’t help. Jahangir’s health worsened due to a severe cold and infection. On his way back to Lahore, he passed away on October 28, 1627, at Sarai Saadabad in Bhimber. He was laid to rest in Shahdara Bagh. Today, Jahangir’s tomb in Shahdara is a popular tourist attraction in Lahore.
FAQs on Jahangir Biography
What is the name of biography of Jahangir?
The biography of Jahangir is titled Jahangirnama.
What is Jahangir most famous for?
Jahangir is most famous for his patronage of art and culture during the Mughal Empire.
Who wrote Jahangir biography?
The biography of Jahangir, Jahangirnama, was written by Emperor Jahangir himself.
Who came first Akbar or Jahangir?
Akbar came first, preceding Jahangir as the Mughal Emperor.
Who ruled India first?
The first ruler of India Mughal Empire was Babur.
Who is 6 Mughal emperor?
The sixth Mughal emperor was Aurangzeb.
Is any Mughal family still alive?
There are descendants of the Mughal family still alive today, but they no longer hold political power in India.
Who is last king of India?
The last king of India was George VI, the British monarch who reigned until India gained independence in 1947.
Who is the first Hindu king?
The first Hindu king in recorded history is a subject of debate and depends on the region and time period in question, but some of the earliest Hindu dynasties include the Maurya and Gupta Empires.
