The fourth emperor of the Mughal Empire Noor-ud-Din Mohammad Salim, which we know as Jahangir. After the death of his father Akbar in 1605, he sat on the throne. Jahangir’s reign lasted for about 22 years. Historians and writers have recorded him as the most moody and cruel ruler. Alison Banks Fidli writes in her book “Nur Jahan: Empress of Mughal India” that Jahangir was the ruler of a very craze and unexpected nature.

Jahangir’s name was notorious for cruel decisions and creepy punishment. On one occasion, he cut his servant’s thumb just because he had cut some trees of Champa. When he saw a kneez of Nur Jahan kissing with the eunuch, he got it buried in half the ground. He used to pronounce very terrible decorating to intimidate criminals in the court. Once the father who murdered the father was tied to the back leg of the elephant and was dragged for several miles. His biggest cruelty came to light when his son Khusro revolted. Jahangir angrily broke both his eyes. Although he later tried to get treatment in regrets, but the light never returned.

Guru Arjan Dev murdered
Jahangir’s most controversial and historical step was the murder of Guru Arjan Dev, the 5th Guru of Sikhs. Guru Arjan Dev was accused of supporting Khusro in rebellion. Jahangir imposed a heavy fine on him, which was two lakh rupees. He was a huge amount at a time when Guru Arjan Dev refused to bow down, he was imprisoned and he was taken to the banks of river Ravi and killed him. This incident became the most sad chapter in Sikh history and made a permanent rift in the relationship between the Mughals and Sikhs.

Emperor of alcohol and shabab
Jahangir himself accepts his autobiography in Tujuke-Jahangiri that he used to consume excessive alcohol. He has written that he used to drink 20 cups of alcohol a day. However, even when the doctors advised him to reduce alcohol, he continued to drink 6–7 cups daily. This hobby of alcohol and shabab had a profound impact on his rule and decisions. This is the reason that historians consider him a ruler who found the strength of the Mughal Empire but weakened him with his latters and craze.

The relationship between Jahangir and Nur Jahan
Nur Jahan, the queen of Jahangir, was one of the most influential women in Mughal history. It is said that the real control over the rule of Jahangir was several times in the hands of Nur Jahan. Due to the habits of Jahangir’s alcohol and the habits, many important decisions of the government were taken by Nur Jahan. Alison Banks Fidli believes that if Nur Jahan was not there, Jahangir’s empire would have been scattered quickly.

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