Jahangir Reign: The Patron of Mughal Art and Culture

Nur-ud-din Jahangir (1605-1627 Ad), also known as Salim, was the son of Rajput princess Mariam-uz-Zamani, born under the blessings of Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. His rule, marked by artistic fervour and notable events, left a lasting impact on Mughal history.

Jahangir Reign of Art, Influence, and Tolerance

1. Military Campaigns/Conquests

• Territorial expansion: Very little progress was made during his reign.
  • Failed rebellion by his son Khusrau, backed by Guru Arjan Dev, led to the capture of Khusrau and the execution of Guru Arjan Dev (the first Sikh guru to be executed by the Mughals).
• Bengal: Jahangir tamed Afghan rebel Usman Khan in the region.
• Mewar: Through his son Khurram (Shah Jahan), he brought Mewar to terms after a military campaign against Rana Amar Singh.
• Deccan: In 1608, Ahmad Nagar declared independence under Malik Ambar. 
  • During Jahangir’s reign, the Mughal territory in the Deccan remained unchanged.

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2. Administration

• Modification of the Mansabdari System: He added the “duh-aspah-sih-aspah” system, a modification of the Mansabdari system, where a Mansabdar could maintain a larger cavalry without raising his zat rank.
• Duh-aspah: a trooper with two horses.
• Sih-aspah: a trooper with three horses.
• Recognition of Maratha Influence: Jahangir was the first monarch who realised that the Marathas were ‘the hub of affairs‘ in the Deccan and tried to win them over to his side. 
  • The policy was continued by Shah Jahan.
• Nur-Jahan’s Influence: Jahangir was more interested in art and painting than in government. 
  • His Persian wife Mehrunnisa, renamed Nur-Jahan by Jahangir, became the real power behind the throne. 
  • Coins: were issued in her name, and she was given the title of Badshah Begum.
  • Nur-Jahan, who ruled the empire for ten years, lost her power and influence after Jahangir’s death in December 1645.
  • Jahangir’s final resting place is in Lahore.

3. Art and Architecture

• Architectural Achievements Under Jahangir
  • Moti Masjid was built by Jahangir in Lahore.
  • Shalimar Garden was constructed in Kashmir.
  • Zanjr-i-adal (chain of justice) was built at Agra Fort to serve as a facility for those seeking royal justice.
• Paintings: Under Jahangir, the Mughal paintings achieved naturalism and scientific accuracy of the highest degree.
  • He was particularly interested in the portrait style. He introduced the use of halos (circular divine light behind the head) in portraits during his reign.[UPSC 2019]
  • The Muraqqas (individual paintings to be mounted in albums) became popular. 
  • Some Eminent Painters: in his courts were
    • Aqa Riza
    • Abdul Hasan (Nadir-ul-Zaman) – son of Aqa Riza
    • Ustad Mansoor (Nadir-ul-Asra) – a leading nature painter.
    • Bishan Das
    • Jahangir’s influence reached as far as the great Dutch painter Rembrandt, who drew inspiration from Mughal miniatures.
• Literature:  Jahangir wrote his auto-biography Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri in Persian. 
  • It tells about his great interest in the arts and his efforts to achieve scientific accuracy in depicting flora and fauna.
• Religious Views:
  • Sulh-i-Kul: Jahangir continued his father’s Sulh-i-Kul in his religious policy. 
  • He frequently visited the Dargah of Muinuddin Chisti. 
  • He was open to diverse spiritual interactions. 
  • He met with Gosain Jadrup, a Vaishnavite ascetic, and had interactions with Shaikh Ahmad Sirhindi, a leading figure of the Naqshbandi Sufi order, critical of Akbar’s policies.

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Conclusion

Jahangir’s era, though marked by limited territorial expansion, saw significant developments in art, architecture, and diplomacy. His reign, influenced by his Persian wife Nur-Jahan, remains renowned for its contributions to Mughal culture and painting.

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