Jahangir (1605-1627): Succeeding Akbar, Jahangir (Prince Salim) navigated early revolts, notably from his son Khusrau, and successfully maintained the expansive empire. He largely continued Akbar’s amicable relations with Rajput states, though he secured Mughal dominance over Mewar. Jahangir upheld a system of direct justice and was a significant patron of the arts, particularly painting, while also authoring his memoirs, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri. Notably, the English East India Company gained trading privileges during his reign, establishing their first factory in Surat, while the Mughals permanently lost Kandahar to Persia.
Shah Jahan (1627-1658): After consolidating his power, Shah Jahan focused on imperial expansion and strengthening Mughal authority, achieving considerable success in the Deccan through treaties and annexations, establishing four Mughal provinces under his son Aurangzeb. His reign is celebrated as the zenith of Mughal architecture, marked by iconic structures like the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid. His court was renowned for its opulence, symbolized by the Peacock Throne. However, his final years were marked by a brutal war of succession among his sons, from which Aurangzeb emerged victorious, imprisoning Shah Jahan in Agra Fort.
Aurangzeb (1658-1707): Aurangzeb, a strict Sunni Muslim, ascended the throne after defeating his brothers. However, his orthodox religious policies, including the reimposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims, fostered widespread resentment and rebellions from groups like the Marathas, Sikhs, and Rajputs. His prolonged military campaigns, especially in the Deccan against the Marathas, strained the empire’s resources. While a capable administrator who oversaw the compilation of the Fatawa-e-Alamgiri, his religious stance often overshadowed his administrative achievements and is considered a significant factor in the eventual weakening of the Mughal Empire.
In essence, the chapter delineates the individual rules of these three powerful Mughal emperors, emphasizing their policies, artistic and architectural contributions, military endeavors, religious inclinations, and their respective impacts on the vast Mughal realm. It illustrates a transition from the relative tolerance and artistic prosperity of Jahangir and Shah Jahan to the more religiously rigid and conflict-ridden era of Aurangzeb, which ultimately contributed to the empire’s subsequent decline.
Time To Learn
I. Fill in the blanks:
1. ___________ , a symbol of love, shows a variety of cultural influences.
Ans: Taj Mahal
2. Jahangir installed a ______________ for the seekers of justice.
Ans: chain of justice
3. The treaty of Purandhar was signed between Mughals and _________________ .
Ans: Rajput ruler Jain Singh.
4. The original name of Nur Jahan was _______________ .
Ans: Mehrunnisa.
5. Bijapur was annexed in __________ .
Ans: AD 1686.
6. Aurangzeb reimposed Jazia and pilgrimage tax.
Ans: pilgrimage tax.
7. __________________ , ninth Sikh guru, was executed on Aurangzeb’s order.
Ans: Guru Tegh Bahadur
8. The Sikhs were organised into a military force called the ___________ .
Ans: Khalsa.
II. Match Column A with Columb B:
Ans:
III. State whether the following statements are True or False:
- Jahangir left the administration in the hands of his queen,Nur Jahan.
True.
- Nur Jahan’s influence was good and lasting for theMughal Empire.
False.
- Shah Jahan had to fight for the throne.
True.
- Shah Jahan married Mumtaz Mahal, in whose memory the built the Taj.
True.
- Shah Jahan died in AD 1666, as a captive in the fort of Agra.
True.
- Aurangzeb had friendly relation with the Rajputs and theMarathas.
False.
- The Sikhs were hostile to the Mughal Emperor after the execution of the ninth Sikh guru.
True.
- Aurangzeb died in 1707 in the Red Fort at Delhi.
False.
- Aurangzeb reimposed .
True.
IV. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Jahangir is sometimes called a mixture of opposites. Discuss.
Ans:
Jahangir’s emperorship is frequently depicted as a confluence of contradictions, a “mixture of opposites,” owing to the pronounced dichotomy within his character and his conduct of rule. Evidencing a commitment to fairness, he instituted the symbolic Chain of Justice, yet juxtaposing this was a capacity for arbitrary cruelty in meting out punishments. His reign fostered a flourishing of Mughal art and architecture, showcasing his refined aesthetic sensibilities and intellectual engagement, as demonstrated in his personal memoirs. While he generally maintained Akbar’s policy of Rajput amity and religious tolerance, instances of intolerance, such as the execution of Guru Arjan Dev, stand in stark contrast. His significant reliance on the sagacious Nur Jahan, while contributing to governance, simultaneously projected an image of his own potential indecisiveness and susceptibility to influence. Moreover, his documented dependence on opium and wine likely impaired his judgment and administrative efficacy at times. The permanent loss of the strategically vital Kandahar during his tenure further underscores a potential lapse in decisive leadership. Compounding these inconsistencies were the rebellions instigated by his own progeny, indicative of underlying discontent and instability within the empire. Consequently, Jahangir’s historical profile is a complex amalgamation of seemingly disparate traits and events, justifying his characterization as a ruler embodying significant and often conflicting attributes.
Question 2.
How did Jahangir deal with the European traders? Name two travellers who visited Jahangir’s court.
Ans:
Jahangir’s engagement with European traders was characterized by an initial openness to commercial exchange, driven by perceived economic advantages, tempered by a wariness of undue foreign influence, particularly from the established Portuguese. His approach involved a degree of strategic maneuvering, occasionally leveraging the rivalries among European powers to benefit Mughal interests. Over time, the English, through persistent diplomatic efforts, progressively secured more advantageous trading rights and a stronger presence during his rule.
- Captain William Hawkins: Representing the English East India Company, he arrived in 1608 seeking commercial privileges and spent several years at the Mughal court, achieving some personal favor but not all his desired trade agreements.
- Sir Thomas Roe: An emissary from King James I of England, arriving in 1615 and residing for several years, who proved more successful in negotiating a royal decree granting the English East India Company the authority to establish factories in various Mughal territories. His detailed observations offer valuable historical perspectives on Jahangir’s court and the prevailing political landscape.
Question 3.
The age of Shah Jahan is the Golden Age of Mughal rule. Do you agree? Give reasons for your answer.
Ans:
Shah Jahan’s reign is often called a “Golden Age” mainly due to its unparalleled architectural achievements like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, along with economic prosperity and a grand court. However, it also saw heavy expenditure, some religious intolerance, and a destructive war of succession in his later years. So, it was a golden age primarily in terms of culture and grandeur, but not entirely without its drawbacks and long-term issues.
Question 4.
Describe the religious policy of Aurangzeb. What were its results?
Ans:
Aurangzeb’s reign saw a shift towards a more orthodox Islamic approach, which had significant repercussions for the Mughal Empire. He reimposed the Jizya, a tax on non-Muslims, which had been abolished by Akbar. This, along with the destruction of several Hindu temples, created a sense of alienation and hostility among a large section of the population.
This led to a series of revolts across the empire. The Jats in the Agra region, the Sikhs in Punjab under Guru Gobind Singh, and the Marathas in the Deccan under Shivaji, all rose against Mughal authority. While some of these uprisings were due to political and economic reasons, Aurangzeb’s policies undoubtedly fueled the discontent. Even some Rajput kingdoms, traditional allies of the Mughals, distanced themselves from the emperor.
Ultimately, these revolts drained the empire’s resources and diverted attention from key administrative matters. The continuous warfare weakened the central authority, paving the way for the rise of independent regional powers. The emperor’s policies also exacerbated religious tensions, leaving a legacy of communal discord that persisted long after his reign. The long-term effect was a weakened and fragmented empire that was ripe for collapse.
Question 5.
Who were the Sikhs? How did they emerge as a political power?
Ans:
The Sikhs originated as a monotheistic religious group in 15th-century Punjab, founded by Guru Nanak. Mughal persecution led to their militarization under Guru Hargobind. Guru Gobind Singh’s formation of the Khalsa in 1699 created a distinct politico-military identity. Resistance against Mughal governors and the organization into independent Misls in the 18th century paved the way for their political rise. Finally, Maharaja Ranjit Singh unified the Misls, establishing a powerful Sikh Empire in the early 19th century.
Question 6.
Briefly describe Aurangzeb’s clash with : (a) the Rajputs, (b) the Marathas, (c) the Sikhs.
Ans:
(a) The Rajputs: Aurangzeb reversed the policy of alliance and respect that previous Mughal emperors had maintained with the Rajputs. His attempts to exert greater control, interfere in their succession disputes (especially in Marwar after the death of Jaswant Singh), and his imposition of the Jizya tax on non-Muslims led to widespread Rajput rebellion. The Rathores of Marwar, under Durgadas Rathore, and the Sisodias of Mewar offered fierce and prolonged resistance, significantly weakening the Mughal Empire.
(b) The Marathas: Aurangzeb’s long and ultimately unsuccessful conflict with the Marathas was a defining feature of his reign. Starting with Shivaji’s defiance, Aurangzeb spent decades trying to crush the Maratha power in the Deccan. Despite capturing and executing Shivaji’s successor, Sambhaji, the Marathas, under leaders like Rajaram and Tarabai, continued their guerrilla warfare. This protracted conflict severely drained the Mughal treasury and manpower, contributing significantly to the empire’s decline. The Deccan became a “graveyard” for Aurangzeb’s ambitions.
(c) The Sikhs: Aurangzeb’s relations with the Sikhs were marked by increasing hostility. The execution of the ninth Sikh Guru, Guru Tegh Bahadur, in 1675, for refusing to convert to Islam, deeply angered the Sikh community. Under the tenth Guru, Guru Gobind Singh, the Sikhs militarized further with the formation of the Khalsa. This led to numerous battles between the Sikhs and Mughal forces. Although Aurangzeb’s forces inflicted losses on the Sikhs, their resistance continued, laying the foundation for the future Sikh power in Punjab.
Question 7.
Why do you think Aurangzeb reimposed some taxes?
Ans:
The significant financial strains imposed by prolonged military engagements, coupled with his aspiration to rule in accordance with strict Islamic tenets, likely played a role. Furthermore, it could have been an attempt to assert his authority and signal a divergence from previous, more inclusive policies. Proponents of his actions also offered justifications related to protection and revenue generation. Nevertheless, these fiscal measures ignited discontent and uprisings among non-Muslim populations, ultimately contributing to the Mughal Empire’s decline.
Question 8.
Explain the factors responsible for the decline of the Mughal empire.
Ans:
The Mughal Empire’s downfall resulted from ineffective successors weakening central control, the rise of independent regional powers, economic decline due to wars and mismanagement, an outdated military, devastating foreign invasions, internal noble conflicts, and alienating religious policies, all leading to fragmentation and British dominance.
V. Write a short note on
Question 1.
Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns
Ans:
Aurangzeb’s Deccan Campaigns, spanning from approximately 1681 to 1707, represented a sustained and financially draining effort to extend Mughal dominion and subjugate the Maratha Confederacy alongside the Deccan Sultanates. Although he achieved the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda following extended sieges, his preoccupation with the Deccan region for over two decades proved strategically counterproductive. The Maratha resistance, employing unconventional warfare in the challenging terrain, proved unyielding and ultimately impossible to decisively suppress.
His religious policies further alienated the Marathas and other non-Muslim entities in the Deccan, exacerbating their opposition. In the final analysis, the Deccan Campaigns failed to accomplish their primary goal of eradicating Maratha power and instead substantially debilitated the Mughal Empire, significantly contributing to its subsequent disintegration.
Question 2.
Abdali’s invasion on India
Ans:
Motivated by the desire to seize the riches of the Indian subcontinent and secure Afghan supremacy amidst the weakening Mughal Empire, Ahmad Shah Abdali launched a series of invasions into India between 1748 and 1767. His repeated incursions revealed the diminished power of the Mughals and led to confrontations with other rising forces. Foremost among these was the Third Battle of Panipat in 1761, where his conclusive triumph over the Marathas thwarted their ambition to become the dominant power in North India.
Additional Questions
(Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb)
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. Nur Jahan became the ___________ ruler of the Mughal empire.
Ans: virtual
2. During the final years of Jahangir’s reign, there was a power struggle between ______________ and _____________ .
Ans: Nur Jahan and Shah Jahan.
3. Shah Jahan’s reign is often referred to as the _________ of the Mughal empire.
Ans: Golden Age
4. Aurangzeb spent the first half of his reign in the _________ and the second half in the _________ .
Ans: North , Deccan.
5. Aurangzeb spent the last _________ years of his reign fighting against the___________ and the Sultanates of____________ and Golconda.
Ans: twenty six , Marathas , Bijapur
B. Match the following:
Answer:
C. Choose the correct answer:
1. The foundations laid by Akbar/Babur/Humayun were so strong that Jahangir did not have any major problems maintaining the empire.
Ans.
The foundations laid by Akbar were so strong that Jahangir did not have any major problems maintaining the empire.
2. Shah Jahan built the magnificent Agra Fort/Taj Mahal/ Red Fort in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
Ans.
Shah Jahan built the magnificent Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
3. Shah Jahan built a new city called Fatehpur Sikri/ Daulatabad/Shahjahanabad.
Ans.
Shah Jahan built a new city called Shahjahanabad.
4. Aurangzeb’s reign can be roughly divided into four/ three/two
Ans.
Aurangzeb’s reign can be roughly divided into two periods.
5. One of the most serious challenges faced by Aurangzeb came from the Sikhs/Marathas/Rajputs in the Deccan.
Ans.
One of the most serious challenges faced by Aurangzeb came from the Marathas in the Deccan.
D. State whether the following are true or false:
- Jahangir defeated the Rana of Mewar.
True. ’ - Jahangir is said to have installed a chain of justice.
True.
- The Peacock Throne was taken to Persia by Nadir Shah.
True.
- The Jama Masjid is said to be the most perfect of Jahangir’s buildings.
False.
Correct: The Jama Masjid is said to be the most perfect of Shah Jahan’s buildings.
E. Answer the following questions in one or two words/ sentences:
1. Why did Jahangir not face any major problems in maintaining his large empire?
Ans.
Jahangir largely maintained his vast empire without major early problems by continuing Akbar’s stable policies, inheriting an efficient administration, possessing a strong military, initially wielding personal authority, and having capable officials. Later challenges emerged, but the foundation laid by Akbar ensured relative stability in the early part of his reign.
2. Name Jahangir’s son who rebelled against him.
Ans.
The rebellion of his eldest son, Khusrau.
3.Why is Shah Jahan known as the Engineer King?
Ans.
Shah Jahan is called the “Engineer King” because of his intense interest and vast contributions to architecture and engineering. His reign saw the construction of magnificent and intricately planned structures like the Taj Mahal and Red Fort, showcasing advanced design, engineering, and artistry, alongside urban planning and waterworks.
4. Which fort did Shah Jahan build in the new city of Shahjahanabad?
Ans.
Red Fort.
5. Who succeeded Shah Jahan as the Mughal emperor?
Ans.
Shah Jahan’s third son, Aurangzeb.
6. State any one major cause of the decline of the Mughal empire.
Ans.
A significant factor contributing to the Mughal Empire’s decline was the ineptitude and lack of strong governance exhibited by subsequent emperors following Aurangzeb. These later rulers were deficient in the robust administrative capabilities, military strength, and resolute leadership essential for effectively governing the extensive empire, resulting in internal instability, the emergence of regional autonomies, and the eventual disintegration of the empire.
7. What was the nature of Aurangzeb’s Rajput policy in the early years of his reign?
Ans.
In his early reign, Aurangzeb largely continued the Mughal policy of alliance and cooperation with Rajputs, granting high ranks and respecting their autonomy. This was driven by the need for their military support and to maintain stability. However, his religious orthodoxy and a potential desire for greater control hinted at future tensions, which escalated later in his rule with events like the Marwar succession crisis and the reimposition of the Jizya.
8. What were the objectives of Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy?
Ans.
Aurangzeb’s Deccan policy was fundamentally driven by the ambition for territorial aggrandizement, seeking to integrate the Deccan Sultanates directly into the Mughal administration and to suppress the Maratha Confederacy, thereby eliminating their challenge to Mughal supremacy. A key objective was to reassert imperial dominance in the Deccan and to exploit its economic wealth. Although some historical interpretations suggest the influence of religious factors, the primary motivations were strategic and political in nature.
9. Why did the annexation of Bijapur and Golconda prove harmful for the Mughal empire?
Ans.
The inclusion of Bijapur and Golconda was ultimately damaging to the Mughal Empire because the lengthy military operations severely exhausted its monetary and military assets. Additionally, it instigated a direct and sustained war with the Maratha realm, which significantly depleted Mughal power. Aurangzeb’s prolonged stay in the Deccan led to neglected administration in the northern provinces and the growth of independent regional entities. Finally, the religious aspects of Aurangzeb’s governance incited resistance, collectively hastening the empire’s disintegration.
F. Answer the following questions briefly:
Question 1.
Jahangir fulfilled Akbar’s unrealized imperial dreams by conquering Mewar. Explain.
Ans:
Akbar couldn’t fully conquer Mewar, making it an “unrealized dream.” Jahangir achieved this through a treaty in 1615, securing Mughal influence over the resistant Rajput kingdom and fulfilling his father’s long-held ambition.
Question 2.
To what extent were Jahangir’s Deccan campaigns successful?
Ans:
Jahangir’s military expeditions into the Deccan yielded a measure of initial success in diminishing the power of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate. Mughal forces, notably under the command of Prince Khurram, successfully seized key strategic areas and negotiated a treaty in 1617 that resulted in the cession of substantial territories, including the significant fort of Ahmadnagar itself. Moreover, Jahangir exerted influence over the remaining Deccan Sultanates, Bijapur and Golconda, compelling them to acknowledge Mughal overlordship and provide tribute.
Nevertheless, these territorial acquisitions and acknowledgments of authority proved to be largely transient and did not culminate in outright annexation. The Ahmadnagar Sultanate, under the persistent leadership of figures such as Malik Ambar, repeatedly re-established its autonomy and recovered previously lost lands. Jahangir’s attention and resources were frequently diverted by internal rebellions and other imperial exigencies, hindering a sustained and resolute campaign in the Deccan. Consequently, his Deccan policy ultimately resulted in a protracted standoff rather than a definitive Mughal triumph, with the principal Deccan Sultanates remaining largely autonomous at the conclusion of his reign.
Question 3.
What qualities did Nur Jahan possess to make her worthy of her name?
Ans:
Nur Jahan truly embodied her name “Light of the World” through her exceptional intelligence and political acumen, becoming Jahangir’s trusted advisor and de facto ruler. Her remarkable administrative skills allowed her to manage the empire’s affairs and even issue royal decrees.
Beyond governance, her courage and assertiveness broke traditional gender roles, as she actively participated in hunts and even military matters. She was also a patron of the arts, fostering a refined cultural environment. Her loyalty and devotion to Jahangir further solidified her influential position, making her a uniquely powerful and illuminating figure in Mughal history.
Question 4.
Nur Jahan was very ambitious and eventually became the power behind the throne. Explain.
Ans:
Nur Jahan possessed a significant degree of ambition, which, combined with her exceptional talents and the circumstances of her marriage to Emperor Jahangir, led to her eventual dominance as the power operating behind the Mughal throne.
Recognizing these qualities, Jahangir increasingly depended on her advice and judgment. As his personal interests and declining health led to a diminished involvement in governance, Nur Jahan adeptly filled the resulting political void. She skillfully navigated the complexities of courtly politics, cultivated a powerful network of allies that included her brother Asaf Khan and father Itimad-ud-Daulah (both appointed to prominent roles), and effectively managed the empire’s affairs. Royal edicts and decrees began to carry her seal alongside the emperor’s, and coinage was even issued bearing her name, unprecedented distinctions for a Mughal empress. Foreign dignitaries and court officials alike acknowledged her considerable influence, understanding that access to her was often crucial for gaining imperial favor. In essence, Nur Jahan’s ambition, coupled with her remarkable abilities, enabled her to transcend the conventional role of empress and become the de facto ruler of the Mughal Empire for a substantial duration.
Question 5.
Shah Jahan’s reign was an age of splendour and cultural brilliance. In this context, discuss:
(a) Taj Mahal
(b) Red Fort
Ans:
This celebrated mausoleum, fashioned from pure white marble and embellished with elaborate pietra dura inlay, stands as a perfectly balanced architectural marvel and a timeless emblem of affection, illustrating remarkable craftsmanship and engineering within its serene gardens.
The Red Fort located in Delhi, a commanding stronghold built predominantly from red sandstone, functioned as the center of Mughal power. Its majestic fortifications and opulent palaces, including the Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas, embodied imperial magnificence and a synthesis of various architectural styles, representing the splendour and authority characteristic of Shah Jahan’s rule. Both of these constructions endure as lasting evidence of the era’s cultural brilliance.
Question 6.
Why did Aurangzeb’s Deccan campaign against the Marathas prove to be a ruinous misadventure? What were the long-term consequences of this campaign?
Ans:
Aurangzeb’s long Deccan campaign against the Marathas was a disastrous misadventure because it severely depleted Mughal finances and military strength in a protracted, indecisive conflict marked by Maratha guerrilla warfare. This led to the neglect of the north, fostering regional independence and weakening central authority. The religious dimension of the conflict further alienated populations and fueled resistance.
The long-term consequences were a crippled Mughal treasury, the rise of the Marathas as a major power, accelerated decentralization of the empire, and overall weakening that made the Mughals vulnerable to future challenges, significantly contributing to their eventual decline.
Question 7.
Why did Aurangzeb fail as a ruler?
Ans:
Aurangzeb’s shortcomings as a ruler arose from his alienating religious policies, which fostered resentment among non-Muslim populations and incited rebellions. His disastrous and prolonged Deccan campaigns against the Marathas severely depleted imperial resources and diverted attention from the northern territories. His highly centralized and autocratic governance discouraged independent action among his officials. Furthermore, the absence of a clear succession plan created instability following his demise, collectively contributing significantly to the Mughal Empire’s eventual decline.
Question 8.
Briefly explain the negative aspects of Shah Jahan’s reign that eventually led to the decline of the Mughal empire.
Ans:
While Shah Jahan’s reign is often lauded for its architectural and cultural achievements, certain negative aspects laid the groundwork for the Mughal Empire’s eventual decline. His extravagant spending on monumental projects like the Taj Mahal and the expansion of the Red Fort severely strained the royal treasury. To compensate, heavy taxes were imposed on the peasantry, leading to widespread discontent and economic hardship in rural areas.
Furthermore, Shah Jahan’s military campaigns, particularly the costly and ultimately unsuccessful ventures in Central Asia (like the Balkh campaign), further depleted the empire’s finances and manpower without yielding significant territorial gains. The increasing burden on the agrarian economy and the failure of these military expeditions hinted at a weakening of the empire’s financial and military strength, contributing to the long-term factors that led to its decline in subsequent reigns.
G Picture study:
This is a picture of a 17th century-CE monument, built in red sandstone by a Mughal emperor.
Question 1.
Identify the monument.
Ans:
Red Fort.
Question 2.
Where is it located?
Ans:
Old Delhi.
Question 3.
Who built this monuments?
Ans:
ShahJahan.
Question 4.
Name two important buildings inside this monument.
Ans:
(a) Diwan-i-Khas
(b) Diwan-i-Aam
Question 5.
Mention its important features.
Ans:
The Diwan-i-Khas was a lavish private hall with silver ceilings and marble walls adorned with gold and jewels. The Diwan-i-Aam housed Shah Jahan’s opulent Peacock Throne, featuring emerald pillars and gem-studded peacocks, which was later taken to Persia by Nadir Shah. These features exemplify the Mughal Empire’s wealth and artistic splendour under Shah Jahan.
