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Jahangir, also known as Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, was a prominent figure in Indian history, serving as the fourth Mughal emperor from 1605 until his passing in 1627. He held a unique place in the Mughal dynasty as the cherished son of Emperor Akbar and his empress, Mariam-uz-Zamani, born in 1569.
The name “Jahangir,” which means ‘Conqueror of the World‘ in Persian, was a reflection of his future reign. Interestingly, his namesake is the Indian Sufi saint, Salim Chishti. Jahangir’s life and rule left a lasting mark on the history of India and the Mughal Empire, making him a subject of great historical significance.
Jahangir Early Life
Prince Salim, who would later become Emperor Jahangir, was born on August 31, 1569, as the third son of Akbar, the great Mughal ruler, and his chief Hindu wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani. Akbar had suffered the loss of two elder sons who were born as twins in 1564 but sadly didn’t survive infancy. Grief-stricken, Akbar sought solace and blessings from Salim Chisti, a renowned Khawaja living in Fatehpur Sikri. Chisti assured Akbar that he would soon have three sons who would live to a ripe old age. In the years leading up to Salim’s birth, Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani even undertook a pilgrimage to the Ajmer Sharif Dargah to pray for a son, emphasising the deep desire for an heir.
Upon learning of Jahangir’s wife’s pregnancy, Akbar ordered the construction of a royal palace near Shaikh Salim Chisti’s residence in Sikri to ensure the empress’s comfort in proximity to the revered saint. Mariam-uz-Zamani was shifted to this palace during her pregnancy, and Akbar divided his time between Sikri and Agra to be with her. There is a touching tale that on a day when the baby in Mariam’s womb stopped kicking, Akbar vowed not to hunt cheetahs on Fridays for the safety of his unborn child, a vow he kept throughout his life. Similarly, Salim, in reverence for his father’s vow, never hunted cheetahs on Fridays.
As the time for Mariam-uz-Zamani’s confinement neared, she gave birth to Prince Salim in the humble dwelling of Shaikh Salim Chisti. Salim was named after the holy man, reflecting Akbar’s faith in the efficacy of Chisti’s prayers. Akbar celebrated the birth with a grand feast and ordered the release of criminals with major offences, bestowing largesse upon the common people throughout the empire. However, due to astrological beliefs, he delayed his visit to Sikri, where he met his wife and son forty-one days after Salim’s birth. This delay was in line with the local belief that a father shouldn’t immediately see the face of his long-awaited son.
This early period in Salim’s life marked the beginning of his journey toward becoming Emperor Jahangir, a remarkable ruler in the Mughal dynasty.
The Education and Upbringing of Emperor Jahangir
Prince Salim, later known as Emperor Jahangir, began his learning journey at the tender age of five. Emperor Akbar celebrated this occasion by hosting a grand feast, signifying the formal initiation of his son into education. Salim’s first tutor was Qutb-ud-din, and he later received instruction in strategic reasoning and military warfare from several tutors. Among them, his maternal uncle, Bhagwant Das, played a pivotal role in teaching him about warfare tactics.
Salim’s upbringing was marked by linguistic diversity. He grew up fluent in Persian and premodern Urdu, with a “respectable” knowledge of Turkic, the ancestral language of the Mughal dynasty. This linguistic proficiency would prove to be valuable in his later life as Emperor.
Additionally, Salim’s early years were influenced by his close familial ties to the revered Indian Sufi saint, Salim Chisti. Jahangir’s foster mother was Chisti’s daughter, and his foster brother was Qutubuddin Koka, who was originally known as Sheikh Kubhu and was the grandson of Chisti. These connections with such influential and spiritual figures undoubtedly had a lasting impact on Salim’s character and his eventual reign as Emperor Jahangir.
The early education, diverse upbringing, and spiritual influences in Prince Salim’s life laid the foundation for a unique and significant chapter in the history of the Mughal Empire. Jahangir’s reign would be characterised by a blend of cultural richness and a distinct approach to governance.
Jahangir Reign
- Jahangir’s Accession to the Mughal Throne: On November 3, 1605, Jahangir, the son of Emperor Akbar, ascended to the Mughal throne at the age of 36, succeeding his father. His reign, which lasted 22 years, began with the title of Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Badshah Ghazi. However, his early years as emperor were marked by internal strife, as his own son, Prince Khusrau Mirza, contested his rule based on Akbar’s will. Jahangir quashed Khusrau’s rebellion in 1606, with the support of the Barha and Bukhari Sayyids, and confined him to the fort of Agra.
- Nur Jahan’s Influence: Jahangir’s reign took an intriguing turn when he married Mehr-un-Nisa, later known as Nur Jahan. She wielded significant influence, taking the reins of government into her hands. Jahangir entrusted her family and relatives with high-ranking positions in his court. Her unprecedented freedom of action and speech caused displeasure among courtiers and foreigners, who were not accustomed to such authority being vested in a woman.
- Prince Khurram’s Rebellion: Trouble brewed when Nur Jahan married her daughter, Ladli Begum, to Jahangir’s youngest son, Shahryar Mirza, in 1621. This led Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) to suspect that Shahryar was being groomed as Jahangir’s successor. In response, Khurram rebelled against his father, launching a rebellion in the Deccan in 1622. This rebellion caused a political crisis in Jahangir’s court, and Khurram went to extreme lengths, even murdering his blind older brother, Khusrau Mirza, to secure his path to the throne.
- Foreign Challenges: While dealing with domestic turmoil, Jahangir faced foreign challenges as well. In 1622, Shah Abbas of the Safavid Empire attacked Kandahar, a crucial border city for the Mughal Empire. Jahangir dispatched Shahryar to defend it, but due to his inexperience and harsh winter conditions, Kandahar fell to the Safavids. The Mughals also had to confront the Safavids in the Deccan.
- Jahangir’s “Chain of Justice”: Jahangir is renowned for his “Chain of Justice,” a symbol of his commitment to fair governance. This golden chain with bells allowed oppressed subjects to appeal to the emperor if they were denied justice at any level. It served as a tangible representation of his dedication to addressing the grievances of his people. The British ambassador to the Mughal court, Thomas Roe, noted how petitioners used this chain during the “Darshan” tradition, a practice adopted from Hindu rituals, to get the emperor’s attention when his decisions didn’t meet their expectations.
Jahangir Foreign Relations
- Sir Thomas Roe’s Mission to the Mughal Court: In the early 17th century, the East India Company managed to persuade King James to send Sir Thomas Roe as a royal envoy to the Agra court of Emperor Jahangir. Roe resided in Agra for three years, where he developed a close relationship with the emperor, even sharing drinks. He introduced Jahangir to concepts like beer and brought gifts, including crates of red wine. This mission’s immediate result was securing permission and protection for the establishment of an East India Company factory in Surat, India. While no significant trading privileges were granted, this marked the beginning of a relationship between the Mughals and the East India Company, eventually evolving into something akin to a partnership.
- Jahangir’s Diplomacy with Safavid Persia: In 1623, Emperor Jahangir dispatched Khan Alam to Safavid Persia with a contingent of 800 sepoys, scholars, and scribes, along with richly decorated howdahs, to negotiate peace with Abbas I of Persia after a brief conflict around Kandahar. Khan Alam returned with valuable gifts and Mir Shikar (Hunt Masters) from Safavid Persia and Central Asia. This diplomatic mission showcased Jahangir’s interest in maintaining peace and fostering relations with neighbouring powers.
- Ambitions of an Alliance: In 1626, Emperor Jahangir contemplated forming an alliance between the Ottomans, Mughals, and Uzbeks against the Safavids. This move was triggered by the Mughals’ earlier defeat by the Safavids at Kandahar. Jahangir even wrote to the Ottoman Sultan, Murad IV, seeking their support. However, Jahangir’s aspirations for this alliance were left unrealized due to his death in 1627, highlighting the ever-evolving geopolitical landscape of the time.
Jahangir Marriage
In the Mughal era, the institution of marriage played a pivotal role in securing political alliances and maintaining the dynasty’s prestige. Emperor Jahangir, whose reign lasted from 1605 to 1627, was known for his numerous marriages to princesses and noblewomen, each contributing to the rich tapestry of his life. Let’s delve into the fascinating accounts of his marriages and the influential women in his harem.
Jahangir’s first wife, Shah Begum, was a close relative, the daughter of his maternal uncle, Raja Bhagwant Das. Their union in 1585 marked the elevation of Jahangir’s Mansab to Twelve Thousand, signifying his growing importance in the Mughal court. Shah Begum was praised for her beauty and purity, making her a fitting choice as the first wife.
Another significant marriage took place with Man Bai in 1585. The grand ceremony was held in Amer, the native town of Jahangir’s mother, Mariam-uz-Zamani. This wedding was a lavish affair, with Emperor Akbar himself participating in the festivities, underscoring its significance. Man Bai was among Jahangir’s favourite wives and gave birth to Khusrau Mirza, the eldest son of Jahangir.
In 1586, Jahangir married a Rajput princess, Manavati Bai, naming her Jagat Gosain. She gave birth to Prince Khurram, who would later become Emperor Shah Jahan. Jahangir’s penchant for matrimonial alliances continued as he married several other noblewomen, including the daughters of Maharajas, Khwajas, and Rajas. These unions served diplomatic and political purposes, forging strong connections with regional rulers.
In 1611, Jahangir’s most famous marriage took place when he wed Mehr-un-Nisa, better known as Nur Jahan. Her remarkable intelligence, wit, and beauty made her one of Jahangir’s chief consorts. She held various titles, including Padshah Begum, and played a pivotal role in shaping the Mughal Empire.
Jahangir’s complex and diverse marital relationships provide a captivating glimpse into the intricate world of Mughal politics and the significance of marriage as a tool for diplomacy and consolidation of power. These unions not only shaped Jahangir’s personal life but also influenced the dynamics of the Mughal court during his reign.
Jahangir Death
In the early 17th century, Emperor Jahangir, a lifelong user of opium and wine, struggled with frequent illnesses that plagued him in the 1620s. In an attempt to regain his health, he embarked on a journey to the picturesque regions of Kashmir and Kabul. However, his quest for well-being was short-lived. Jahangir’s trip from Kabul to Kashmir was marred by a severe cold, prompting him to change course and return to Lahore.
Tragically, it was during this journey that Emperor Jahangir met his demise. On October 29, 1627, he passed away near Bhimber. To preserve his body, the emperor’s entrails were removed and interred within Baghsar Fort, a significant historical site near Bhimber in Kashmir. The emperor’s lifeless body was then transported by palanquin to Lahore, where he was laid to rest in Shahdara Bagh, a suburb of the city. Jahangir’s final resting place became a symbol of his legacy and is now a prominent tourist attraction, featuring a stunning tomb commissioned by his son, Shah Jahan.
Jahangir’s death triggered a minor succession crisis within the Mughal Empire. His powerful wife, Nur Jahan, sought to place her son-in-law, Shahryar Mirza, on the throne. In contrast, her brother, Abu’l-Hassan Asaf Khan, had different plans. Asaf Khan was secretly corresponding with his son-in-law, Prince Khurram, to seize the throne. In an effort to counter Nur Jahan’s influence, Abu’l Hassan placed Dawar Bakhsh as a puppet ruler and restricted Nur Jahan to Shahdara.
The situation took a dramatic turn when Prince Khurram, known for his ambitious vision, arrived in Agra in February 1628. In a bold move, he executed both Shahryar and Dawar, assuming the regnal name Shah Jahan (Shihab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram). This pivotal moment in Mughal history marked the rise of a new emperor and the end of a tumultuous chapter, as the empire continued to evolve.
Conclusion
The life and reign of Emperor Jahangir, also known as Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, offer a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of Mughal history. His early life, marked by unique circumstances and a diverse upbringing, laid the foundation for his eventual rule. Jahangir’s reign was characterised by both internal strife, with familial conflicts and powerful influences like Nur Jahan, and external challenges, including diplomatic missions and alliances.
His marriage alliances played a crucial role in Mughal politics, reflecting the significance of matrimonial unions for power consolidation and diplomacy during that era. Jahangir’s death marked a turning point, leading to the rise of his son, Shah Jahan, who would become one of the most iconic Mughal emperors. Overall, Jahangir’s legacy is one of complexity, diplomacy, and change in the ever-evolving landscape of the Mughal Empire.
FAQs on About Jahangir
Who was Emperor Jahangir, and when did he rule the Mughal Empire?
Emperor Jahangir, born as Nur-ud-Din Muhammad Salim, was the fourth Mughal emperor who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627. He was the son of Emperor Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani.
What was the significance of Jahangir's name, and how did he get it?
Jahangir's name means 'Conqueror of the World' in Persian. It was a reflection of his future reign. He was named after the Indian Sufi saint Salim Chishti, as his birth was attributed to the saint's blessings.
How was Jahangir's early life and upbringing unique?
Jahangir's early life was marked by the special circumstances of his birth. His parents, Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani, sought blessings for his birth from Salim Chishti. His upbringing was diverse, with linguistic proficiency and strong spiritual influences from his ties to Salim Chishti.
How and when Jahangir died?
Jahangir embarked on a journey to Kashmir and Kabul in an effort to regain his health. After travelling from Kabul to Kashmir, he ultimately chose to return to Lahore due to a severe cold. Tragically, he passed away near Bhimber on October 29, 1627, during his journey back to Lahore.
How did Jahangir handle foreign relations, especially with Safavid Persia and the British East India Company?
Jahangir maintained diplomatic ties with Safavid Persia, dispatched missions, and sought alliances with the Ottomans. He also had interactions with the British East India Company through Sir Thomas Roe, which led to the establishment of the first English factory in India.
