Jahangir

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 7 November 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.

He was born as Nur-ud-din Mohammad Salim on 31 August 1569 in Fatehpur Sikri to Mughal Emperor Akbar and his Rajput wife Mariam-uz-Zamani Begum (also known as Jodha Bai). He was the emperor’s much longed for son.

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.

Akbar died on 27 October 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 3 November 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 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.