- Jahangir (1605–1627 CE) was the fourth Mughal Emperor, succeeding his father Akbar.
- Jahangir was originally named Prince Salim and took the title Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir upon his ascension.
- His reign is noted for political stability, economic prosperity, and a flourishing of the arts.
- Jahangir was a patron of Mughal painting, which reached new heights under his rule, emphasizing naturalism and portraiture.
- His court painter, Ustad Mansur, was famous for his depictions of flora and fauna.
- The emperor's wife, Nur Jahan, played a significant role in administration and is often regarded as the real power behind the throne.
- Jahangir continued Akbar's policy of religious tolerance, allowing Hindus to practice their faith without interference.
- He maintained the Mughal tradition of justice, as illustrated by the famous Chain of Justice that allowed subjects to seek redress directly from the emperor.
- Jahangir faced revolts, including a significant rebellion led by his son Khurram (later Shah Jahan).
- He had diplomatic relations with the British East India Company, granting trading rights to Sir Thomas Roe.
- Jahangir authored his memoirs, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, which provide insight into his reign and personality.
- Shah Jahan (1628–1658 CE) succeeded Jahangir and is renowned for his architectural contributions.
- Born as Prince Khurram, Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor and the grandson of Akbar.
- His reign marked the peak of Mughal architectural achievement, with the construction of the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Other notable architectural works include the Red Fort in Delhi, the Jama Masjid, and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore.
- Shah Jahan expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent, consolidating territories in the Deccan and the northwest.
- His reign saw increased centralization of administration and revenue collection, continuing the policies of Akbar.
- The emperor promoted the Persian language and culture, making it the official language of the Mughal court.
- Shah Jahan was an enthusiastic patron of the arts, particularly calligraphy, painting, and poetry.
- Despite his achievements, his reign faced economic challenges due to excessive military expenditures and lavish architectural projects.
- Shah Jahan's reign ended with a power struggle among his sons, leading to his deposition by his son Aurangzeb in 1658.
- He spent the last years of his life under house arrest in the Agra Fort, where he could view the Taj Mahal from a distance.
- Shah Jahan's legacy is largely defined by his contributions to Mughal architecture, which continue to attract global admiration.
Questions
- Who succeeded Akbar as the Mughal emperor?
- Jahangir's reign is particularly noted for his love of:
- The famous memoir of Jahangir is known as:
- Nur Jahan, Jahangir's wife, is known for her role in:
- Jahangir's policy towards the British East India Company was marked by:
- The Mughal emperor who granted permission to the British to trade in India was:
- Jahangir's tomb is located in:
- Which Mughal emperor built the Shalimar Gardens in Kashmir?
- The Peacock Throne was commissioned by:
- Shah Jahan is best known for building which architectural marvel?
- Jahangir’s reign is famous for the paintings in the style of:
- Shah Jahan's reign is often referred to as:
- The Taj Mahal was built in memory of:
- The Red Fort in Delhi was constructed by:
- Jahangir’s military campaign in Mewar led to a treaty with:
- The Mughal painting style reached its zenith under which ruler?
- The Jama Masjid in Delhi was built by:
- Shah Jahan's court historian, who authored "Padshahnama," was:
- Which European traveler visited Jahangir’s court?
- Jahangir’s reign saw the arrival of which trading company in India?
- The Taj Mahal is located in which city?
- The Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) in Agra was built by:
- Nur Jahan is credited with influencing which Mughal ruler’s policies?
- The Diwan-i-Khas in the Red Fort was constructed during the reign of:
- Shah Jahan’s reign is marked by the construction of which famous fort?
- Which Mughal ruler was known for his interest in natural sciences and botany?
- The decline of Mughal miniature painting began after the reign of:
- The Persian inscription on the Taj Mahal identifies its architect as:
- Jahangir's victory over Kangra Fort was commemorated by:
- Shah Jahan’s reign saw the weakening of the Mughal Empire due to:
- Jahangir’s addiction to which substances negatively affected his rule?
- The Mughal emperor known for the Jahangirnama was:
- Shah Jahan’s campaigns in the Deccan were primarily against:
- Jahangir introduced a chain of justice called:
- The Mughal ruler whose reign saw the construction of the Sheesh Mahal in Lahore was: