Jahangir and Nur Jahan

Jahangir (1605–1627), son of Akbar, assumed the throne after a brief rebellion. His reign is noted for the consolidation of administration, the influence of his wife Nur Jahan, and patronage of art.

Justice and Administration

Jahangir established the Zanjir-i-Adl (Chain of Justice) – a golden chain attached to the castle wall that any petitioner could pull to summon the emperor for justice. He continued Akbar’s administrative policies and issued several edicts curbing corruption, banning wine, and releasing prisoners. He expanded the empire through campaigns in Mewar (Amar Singh submitted in 1615), Kangra, and the Deccan.

Nur Jahan’s Influence

Nur Jahan (born Mehr-un-Nissa) married Jahangir in 1611 and soon became the de facto co-ruler. She had coins struck in her name, issued farmans (royal orders), and controlled appointments. Her father Itimad-ud-Daula and brother Asaf Khan held high positions. The junta of Nur Jahan, her father, and Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) dominated the court. However, later tensions led to Khurram’s rebellion in 1622.

Art and Culture

Jahangir was an avid patron of painting. The Mughal painting school reached its zenith during his reign, with a focus on naturalism, portraiture, and flora/fauna. Artists like Mansur and Abul Hasan flourished. Jahangir’s memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, reveal his aesthetic sensibilities and keen observation.

His reign was a period of relative peace, prosperity, and cultural refinement, though political intrigue grew.