Succession of Jahangir

The succession of Jahangir marks a significant transition in the history of the Mughal Empire, following the death of Emperor Akbar the Great in 1605. Jahangir, born as Nur-ud-din Muhammad Salim, ascended the Mughal throne as the fourth emperor of the Mughal dynasty. His accession was not without controversy or conflict, as it involved a series of court intrigues, political manoeuvres, and familial tensions. Nevertheless, Jahangir’s reign (1605–1627) continued the imperial consolidation established by Akbar, with added emphasis on art, culture, and diplomacy.

Background and Lineage

Jahangir was the eldest surviving son of Emperor Akbar and Mariam-uz-Zamani (Jodha Bai), a Rajput princess of Amber. Born in 1569 at Fatehpur Sikri, he was Akbar’s long-awaited heir. Akbar’s deep affection for Salim was well known, and he ensured the prince received a sound education under distinguished tutors such as Abdur Rahim Khan-i-Khanan.
Despite his father’s favour, Salim’s early years were marked by impatience for power and occasional defiance of imperial authority. His desire to assert independence led to tension with Akbar and ultimately to an armed conflict during the final years of Akbar’s reign.

Rebellion Against Akbar

Around 1599, while Akbar was engaged in the Deccan campaigns, Prince Salim declared himself independent in Allahabad, assuming the title of “Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Badshah.” He began issuing coins in his own name and held court separately, effectively challenging Akbar’s sovereignty.
Akbar, known for his tolerance and statesmanship, initially sought reconciliation rather than punishment. The rebellion, though serious, ended without a decisive battle. Over time, Salim expressed repentance and was forgiven. By 1604, peace between father and son had been restored, largely through the mediation of influential nobles such as Bir Singh Deo Bundela and Man Singh of Amber.

The Death of Akbar and Jahangir’s Accession

Emperor Akbar fell seriously ill in October 1605. During his final days, succession became a matter of urgent concern. Akbar had several grandsons, notably Prince Khusrau (Salim’s son) and Prince Daniyal’s sons, but the majority of nobles, led by Asaf Khan and Shaikh Farid (Itimad-ud-Daula), supported Salim’s claim to the throne.
According to the court chroniclers, Akbar himself, on his deathbed, indicated Salim as his successor. Akbar died on 27 October 1605 at Fatehpur Sikri, and Salim was formally enthroned at Agra on 3 November 1605, assuming the regal title Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Badshah Ghazi — meaning “Light of the Faith, Conqueror in War.”

Early Challenges and Prince Khusrau’s Revolt

No sooner had Jahangir ascended the throne than he faced a rebellion from his eldest son, Prince Khusrau, who was supported by some disaffected nobles and Sikh leader Guru Arjan Dev. In April 1606, Khusrau marched from Agra towards Lahore but was defeated and captured near the Battle of Bhairowal.
Jahangir dealt with the rebellion sternly — Khusrau was imprisoned, and his supporters were punished. Guru Arjan Dev was accused of abetting the prince’s rebellion and executed, an act that had profound religious and political repercussions, particularly for relations between the Mughals and the Sikhs.

Jahangir’s Consolidation of Power

Having secured his throne, Jahangir undertook measures to stabilise the empire:

• Reorganisation of the Nobility: He retained many of Akbar’s trusted administrators but ensured their loyalty through careful patronage.
• Establishment of Justice: Jahangir was keen to project an image of fairness. He introduced the symbolic “Chain of Justice” (Zanjir-i-Adl), hung outside his palace in Agra, allowing subjects to appeal directly to the emperor.
• Control over Provinces: He consolidated imperial authority in Bengal, Gujarat, and the Deccan, regions where local unrest and Maratha activity persisted.

Court Politics and the Rise of Nur Jahan

During Jahangir’s reign, internal court politics became increasingly complex. In 1611, he married Mehr-un-Nisa, a Persian widow of Sher Afghan, who later became famous as Empress Nur Jahan (“Light of the World”). Nur Jahan’s intelligence, administrative skill, and charisma gave her immense influence over imperial affairs.
The emperor entrusted her and her relatives — notably Itimad-ud-Daula (her father) and Asaf Khan (her brother) — with high administrative responsibilities. This led to the emergence of the Nur Jahan Junta, a powerful faction that controlled much of the court’s politics during the latter half of Jahangir’s reign.

Relations with the Nobility and the Princes

Jahangir’s relationship with his sons was strained. While Khusrau remained imprisoned, his other sons — Parviz, Khurram (later Shah Jahan), and Shahryar — vied for influence.
Prince Khurram, who distinguished himself in the Deccan and against the Rajputs, gradually became the most powerful contender. However, his ambitions brought him into conflict with the Nur Jahan faction, setting the stage for future succession struggles.
By contrast, Shahryar, Nur Jahan’s son-in-law, was favoured by the queen and later briefly ascended the throne after Jahangir’s death before being defeated by Khurram (Shah Jahan).

Foreign Relations and Diplomacy

During Jahangir’s reign, Mughal diplomacy expanded significantly. Notable developments included:

• Relations with the British: In 1615, Sir Thomas Roe, an ambassador from King James I of England, arrived at the Mughal court seeking trade privileges for the East India Company. His mission was successful and laid the foundation for future British presence in India.
• Central Asian and Persian Relations: Jahangir maintained cordial relations with the Safavid dynasty of Persia, though conflicts occasionally arose over Kandahar.
• Deccan Affairs: His reign witnessed ongoing campaigns in the Deccan against the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, managed largely by Prince Khurram.

Death of Jahangir and Succession Crisis

In the final years of his life, Jahangir suffered from declining health, exacerbated by alcohol and opium consumption. During his journey from Kashmir to Lahore, he died on 28 October 1627 at Rajouri (in present-day Jammu and Kashmir). His body was carried to Lahore, where he was buried in a magnificent tomb at Shahdara, constructed by Empress Nur Jahan.
After his death, a brief power struggle ensued between Prince Shahryar (supported by Nur Jahan) and Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan). With the backing of Asaf Khan, Shah Jahan emerged victorious and ascended the throne in 1628, marking the beginning of another glorious phase of Mughal rule.

Significance of Jahangir’s Succession

The succession of Jahangir was a defining moment in Mughal history, symbolising both continuity and change. It demonstrated the resilience of the Mughal imperial system, which managed to overcome internal dissent and maintain stability. Jahangir’s reign, though politically less dynamic than Akbar’s, was remarkable for:

• The consolidation of imperial authority after a contested succession.
• The cultural refinement and artistic brilliance of the Mughal court.
• The introduction of new diplomatic relations with European powers.