Religious Policies of Shahjahan | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Shah Jahan's Reign: Shifts in Religious Policy and State Affairs:

• Shift in Religious Policy: Shah Jahan's era marked a shift from Akbar's liberalism to a more Islamic-oriented governance.
• Changes in Court Rituals: Shah Jahan replaced Akbar's practice of sijda (prostration) with chahar taslim, as prostration was reserved for the Almighty.
• Banning Mixed Marriages: Shah Jahan prohibited mixed marriages between Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir, reinforcing religious boundaries.
• Conflicts and Destruction: Temples and churches were destroyed during conflicts, such as Bir Singh Deo's temple at Orchha and churches at Hugli.
• Reluctance to Enforce Policies: Shah Jahan did not strictly enforce the ban on new temples. For instance, he allowed Shantidas to build a Jain temple in 1629.
• Restoration of Temples: Shah Jahan restored Shantidas's temple after Aurangzeb tried to convert it into a mosque, demonstrating his commitment to justice.
• Religious Tolerance: Shah Jahan's policies were more about asserting Islam's dominance than suppressing Hinduism. He confirmed grants to Vaishnava temples and allowed temple customs, reflecting a degree of tolerance.
• Conflict with Sikh Guru: Shah Jahan faced opposition from Sikh Guru Hargovind, leading to battles and tensions with orthodox Muslim scholars.
• Patronage of Arts: Despite religious pressures, Shah Jahan supported music and painting, continuing Akbar's tradition.
• Shah Jahan's Compromise: He aimed for a balance between Islamic state principles and the liberal practices of Akbar, but his approach satisfied neither the orthodox nor the liberal factions completely.
• Political Landscape: The period saw a mix of orthodox and liberal influences, with Shah Jahan navigating these pressures without fully committing to either side.

Composition of nobility under different Mughal Emperors 

Composition of Mughal Nobility:

• The Mughal nobility was theoretically open to all, but in practice, those from aristocratic families had an advantage.
• The composition of the nobility varied based on the attitudes of successive Mughal rulers towards different sects or communities.
• Initially, the majority of nobles were from the Mughal homeland, including Turanis and neighboring Iranians.

Nobility under Babur: 

• Majority Turanis(who were Sunni Muslims)
• Minority Irani(Shia Muslims)
• Some Afghan Muslims
• Some Sheikh-jadas(Indian Muslims)

Under Humayun

Largely Turanis:

• Established a new Turani nobility by elevating low-ranking Turanis.
• Incorporated some Iranis into the new nobility.

Under Akbar:

• A significant portion of the Turanis and Iranis along with Shekh-jadas, were included in the administration.
• Afghans were avoided due to the legacy of Sher Shah Suri.
• Hindus started to be regularly recruited into the administration.
• Rajputs, particularly the Kachhawahas like Man Singh, were given preference and reached higher positions with high Mansabs.
• Khatris, such as Todar Mal and Rai Pitradas, were also prominent.
• Kayasthas became dominant in the revenue department.
• Brahmins, like Rai Purushottam, were included as well.
• There are also a few references to Jain nobles in the administration.

Under Jahangir

Changes in the Mughal Nobility during Akbar's Reign:

• Increased Iranian Influence: Iranians became dominant in the Mughal nobility, largely due to the influence of Nur Jahan, Akbar's influential wife.
• Improved Afghan Status: The status of Afghans in the nobility slightly improved. Earlier, during the time of Sher Shah Suri and the revolting Afghans, there was significant anti-Afghan sentiment among the Mughals.
• Notable Afghan Noble:Khan-i-Jahan Lodi emerged as an important Afghan noble during this period.
• Incorporation of Marathas: This period marked the first-time inclusion of Marathas as nobles in the Mughal court, with figures like Kheloji and Maloji being examples.
• Decline of Kachhwaha Influence: The influence of the Kachhwaha clan decreased, and other Rajput clans were increasingly recruited into the nobility.

Under Shah Jahan

Changes in Nobility Under Shah Jahan:

• Afghans lost the higher status they had achieved under Jahangir due to the rebellion of Khan-i-Jahan Lodi.
• More Marathas were recruited into the nobility.
• Irani nobles became dominant.
• Turanis lost some of their importance.
• The percentage of Hindu nobles increased from 16% during Akbar's time to 24% during Shah Jahan's reign.

Under Aurangzeb

Improvement in Afghan’s position.

• More Marathas were recruited.
• Incorporation of Deccani nobles (Bijapur, Golkonda, Ahmednagar).
• Percentage of Hindu nobles increased to 33% with the majority among them being Marathas. However, they were not given high Mansabs like during Akbar's period.
• Hence, the Mughals generally did not follow a racial policy, as the composite nobility represented different religions and races.