Who was Jahangir? Everything You Need to Know

Quick Facts

Indian Celebrities Born In August

Died At Age: 58

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Nur Jahan, Taj Bibi Bilqis Makani

father: Akbar

mother: Mariam-uz-Zamani

siblings: Aram Banu Begum, Daniyal, Hassan, Hussain, Shahzadi Khanum, Shakr-un-Nissa Begum, Sultan Murad Mirza

children: Khusrau Mirza, Muhammad Parviz, Shah Jahan, Shahryar

Born Country: India

Emperors & Kings Indian Men

Died on: November 8, 1627

place of death: Kashmir

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1

What were some significant achievements of Jahangir during his reign?

Jahangir established a strong central government, promoted art and culture, and expanded the Mughal Empire through successful military campaigns.
2

How did Jahangir's policies impact the economy of the Mughal Empire?

Jahangir's policies focused on trade and agriculture, leading to economic prosperity. He also implemented measures to improve infrastructure and promote commerce.
3

What role did Jahangir play in the cultural development of the Mughal Empire?

Jahangir was a patron of the arts and supported the flourishing of literature, music, and architecture during his reign. He also encouraged the blending of Persian and Indian cultural influences.
4

How did Jahangir maintain diplomatic relations with other empires and countries?

Jahangir established diplomatic ties with various European powers, including the English and the Portuguese. He also maintained relations with Safavid Persia and the Ottoman Empire through treaties and alliances.
5

What was Jahangir's approach towards religious tolerance and policy towards non-Muslims?

Jahangir adopted a policy of religious tolerance and respected the rights of non-Muslims in his empire. He appointed Hindus and Sikhs to high-ranking positions and allowed them to practice their faith freely.

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Childhood & Early Life

He was born as Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim on August 31, 1569, in Fatehpur Sikri to Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife, Mariam-uz-Zamani (also referred to as Jodha Bai). He was the emperor’s long-awaited son and heir.

As the eldest surviving son of Akbar, he was named the successor quite early on in life. The emperor ensured that the prince received education from the best possible tutors. Salim learned Persian, Turki, Arabic, Hindi, arithmetic, history, and geography among other subjects. He also developed an interest in composing verses.

The prince was also trained in civil and military administration and was placed in charge of a regiment of troops during the Kabul expedition of 1581. He was promoted to the rank of an army officer by 1585.

Salim grew impatient with time and revolted against Akbar in 1599. His attempt was unsuccessful and this incident created a rift between the father and son.

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Accession & Reign

Akbar died on October 27, 1605—some believe he was poisoned by Salim. A few days after his father’s death, Salim ascended the throne with the title of Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Badshah Ghazi on November 3, 1605.

He came to the throne at a time of great political chaos. There were several other contenders to the throne, and Jahangir was challenged by his own son, Prince Khusrau Mirza. Jahangir defeated the prince in 1606, and confined him in the fort of Agra. As punishment Khusrau Mirza was blinded.

Jahangir continued with several of his father’s policies. Like Akbar, he too embarked on a series of military campaigns aimed at expanding the territories under Mughal rule. He successfully ended an ongoing war with the Rajput principality of Mewar, in 1614.

In 1622, he sent his son, son Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan), to fight against the combined forces of Ahmednagar, Bijapur and Golconda. Khurram emerged victorious following the conflicts and soon he challenged his own father for the throne. Jahangir was able to subdue his rebellious son and retain power.

Jahangir had a deep interest in matters relating to arts and culture. During his reign he encouraged artists and painters, and is credited to have played a leading role in the development of Mughal arts and culture. He also patronized European and Persian arts. The emperor was also known for his architectural works, the most famous work undertaken during his reign being the exquisite Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir.

Jahangir, though notorious for the brutality he inflicted upon his own kin, was also known for his sense of fairness and justice, and his efforts for promoting administrative efficiency. He enacted several liberal decrees which showed his great concern for the welfare of his citizens, and installed the famous golden "chain of justice".

Like Akbar, Jahangir’s rule was also characterized by religious tolerance. However, the Mughals developed hostile relations with the emerging clan of Sikhs led by the fifth Sikh guru, Arjan Dev. The guru had supported Jahangir's rebel son Khusrau Mirza which prompted Jahangir to order Arjan Dev’s execution. The guru was viciously tortured to death.

The Mughal emperor was a complex person. Even though a successful ruler, he was infamous for his brutality. He was also addicted to alcohol, opium, and women. He has been criticized for giving his wife Nur Jahan too much power in the imperial court.

Major Works

Jahangir is most famous for installing the golden "chain of justice” outside the castle of Agra. The chain, which was attached to some bells, would ring the bells when pulled and summon the emperor. It was meant to be a link between the citizens and the emperor, and it was announced that any aggrieved person ringing the bells would be granted a personal audience with the emperor.

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Personal Life & Legacy

Jahangir was married several times. Some of his wives were Saliha Banu Begum, Khas Mahal Begum, Jagat Gosain Begum, Malika Shikar Begum, Sahib Jamal Begum, Malika Jahan Begum, Nur-un-Nissa Begam, Koka Kumari Begum, and Kanwal Rani Begum.

His most prominent and powerful wife was Mehr-Un-Nisa or Nur Jahan, the widow of a rebel officer, Sher Afgan, of Mughals. He married her in 1611, and she went on to greatly influence the emperor during the later period of his reign.

Jahangir died of an illness on November 7, 1627. At the time of his death, he was traveling from Kashmir to Lahore. Jahangir was succeeded by his third son, Prince Khurram who took the title of Shah Jahan.

Jahangir has often been portrayed in Indian films and television serials, some of them being the 1939 film ‘Pukar’, the 1953 film ‘Anarkali’, and the 1960 film ‘Mughal-e-Azam’.

Facts About Jahangir

Jahangir was a skilled artist and had a passion for painting, creating many beautiful artworks during his reign.

He had a deep love for nature and established many gardens and parks, including the famous Shalimar Bagh in Kashmir.

Jahangir was known for his love of animals, particularly his pet lions, which he kept in his court as companions.

He had a fascination with different cultures and religions, leading him to be open-minded and tolerant towards people of diverse backgrounds.

Jahangir was a patron of the arts and encouraged the flourishing of music, poetry, and literature during his rule, contributing to a rich cultural heritage.

Jahangir Biography

You wanted to know

What were some significant achievements of Jahangir during his reign?

How did Jahangir's policies impact the economy of the Mughal Empire?

What role did Jahangir play in the cultural development of the Mughal Empire?

How did Jahangir maintain diplomatic relations with other empires and countries?

What was Jahangir's approach towards religious tolerance and policy towards non-Muslims?