Jahangir and Nur Jahan! Flashcards
What happened to the Mughal system under the two emperors who followed Akbar?
Cracks appeared in the Mughal system under the two emperors who followed Akbar, though they still extended the empire to its greatest-ever extent.
What did Akbar’s son Prince Salim do in 1600?
Akbar’s son Prince Salim rebelled against him in 1600 and set up a rival court at Allahabad.
What happened to Abu al-Fazl during Salim’s rebellion?
When Akbar sent his official biographer Abu al-Fazl to negotiate with him, Salim had him murdered.
How was the conflict between Akbar and Salim resolved?
The two were reconciled shortly before Akbar’s death, but Salim had demonstrated his hunger for power.
What name did Salim take when he became emperor?
When he became emperor in 1605, he took the name Jahangir, which means “World-Seizer.”
What personal challenges did Jahangir face as an emperor?
Jahangir was an alcoholic, and his addiction may have made it difficult for him to take an active part in ruling.
Who held power during much of Jahangir’s reign?
For much of his reign, power was held by his wife, Nur Jahan (“Light of the World”).
What did Nur Jahan do during Jahangir’s reign?
She issued royal decrees in her name and commanded armies in battle, riding atop a war elephant.
What campaign did Jahangir’s son Khurram begin?
During Jahangir’s reign, his son Khurram began a great campaign to conquer the Deccan Plateau, a vast highland plain in southern India that remained outside of Mughal control.
Why was conquering the Deccan Plateau difficult?
The Deccan was fragmented among several local rulers, but it was a hard land to conquer, partly because of the rocky and mountainous terrain.
Who did Khurram face as a strong enemy in the Deccan Plateau?
Khurram also found himself facing a particularly powerful and skilful enemy.
Who was Malik Ambar and what was his background?
Malik Ambar was an African man who had been sold into slavery in Baghdad and brought to the Deccan.
How did Malik Ambar rise to power?
He soon proved himself a great military commander, earned his freedom, and rose to become ruler of the Ahmadnagar sultanate – one of the largest states in the Deccan.
How did Malik Ambar strengthen his rule in the Deccan?
Malik Ambar copied many of Raja Todar Mal’s tax reforms, hoping to draw as much money from his lands as the Mughals did from theirs.
What military advantage did Malik Ambar develop?
Under Malik Ambar, elite cavalry units were formed from the local Hindu aristocracy, who would become a devastating foe to Mughal armies.
What were the Marathas known for?
These mounted warriors were called the Marathas.
What happened when Khurram allied with Malik Ambar in 1625?
In 1625, Khurram asked Malik Ambar to join him in an alliance against Jahangir, so that Khurram could seize the Mughal throne.
What victories did Khurram and Malik Ambar achieve together?
Malik Ambar agreed, and the two of them won several victories against Mughal forces loyal to Jahangir.
What happened after Malik Ambar’s death in 1626?
Malik Ambar died in 1626. A year later, Jahangir also died, and Khurram was well prepared to take power.
When did Khurram become emperor, and what name did he take?
He won a brief war against his brothers, became emperor in 1628, and took the name Shah Jahan – “King of the World.”
