Rajput Policy of Jahangir | History Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Jahangir's Rajput Policy: Continuity and Relations:

• Jahangir followed his father Akbar's Rajput policy, showing a similar approach.
• Being the son of a Rajput princess, Jahangir had a liberal and broadminded religious outlook.
• Despite a temporary rift with Raja Man Singh during the Khurram incident, Jahangir's Rajput policy remained unaffected.
• Raja Man Singh lost some influence at court but retained his position, status, and fortunes.
• Jahangir strengthened ties with Rajputs through matrimonial alliances, marrying several Rajput princesses.
• He maintained cordial relationships with Rajput ruling houses.
• Jahangir's successor, Prince Khurram, was born of a Rajput princess, the daughter of Raja Udai Singh of Jodhpur (Marwar).
• The imperial court continued to be diverse, with generals, scholars, and artists from various communities.
• Civil and military services remained open to Hindus, reflecting inclusivity.

War and Peace with Mewar

• At the time of Jahangir's accession, Mewar was at war with the Mughal Empire.
• It was believed that Mewar's independence was partly due to Jahangir's past refusal to subjugate it.
• The conquest of Mewar became a matter of prestige for Jahangir, who was annoyed by the existence of a rebellious principality within the Mughal Empire.

Military Expeditions against Mewar:

• Jahangir ordered a military expedition to Mewar led by Prince Parvez and Asaf Khan against Rana Amar Singh of Mewar.
• A battle at the pass of Dewar was fought, but it was indecisive.
• The Mughals attempted to install Sagar, a traitor, as a puppet leader in Mewar, but this effort failed.

Subsequent Campaigns and Challenges:

• Jahangir sent multiple military expeditions against Mewar from 1608 to 1615 CE, but faced various challenges and failures.
• Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan) was put in charge of a major campaign against Mewar, employing scorched-earth tactics.
• Mewar suffered greatly from famine and epidemics due to the Mughal blockade and destruction.

Peace Negotiations and Treaty of 1615 CE:

• In 1615 CE, Rana Amar Singh sought peace negotiations with Jahangir, leading to a treaty that recognized Jahangir as suzerain.
• The treaty restored all Mewar territories to Rana Amar Singh, including Chitor, and imposed minimal restrictions on the Rana.
• The treaty marked a significant achievement in Mughal policy and the political unification of India.

Legacy and Impact:

• The Treaty of Peace with Mewar was a major breakthrough in Mughal rule, reflecting the success of Akbar's policy of political unification.
• Jahangir's Rajput policy was successful, and Mewar enjoyed autonomy while remaining loyal to the Mughal throne.
• However, Aurangzeb later reversed this liberal policy, leading to revolts among subordinate Hindu chiefs, including Kana Raj Singh of Mewar.

Summary

Jahangir's Rajput Policy:

• Jahangir continued his father Akbar's Rajput policy effectively.
• Despite a temporary rift with Raja Man Singh over the Khurram issue, Jahangir's Rajput policy remained strong.
• He strengthened ties with Rajputs through marriage, marrying several Rajput princesses and fostering good relationships with Rajput ruling houses.
• Upon Jahangir's accession, Mewar was at war with the Mughal Empire. He initially sent military expeditions to subdue Mewar but had to recall the troops due to Khusrau's revolt.
• Between 1608 and 1615 CE, Jahangir launched four military expeditions against Mewar.
• In 1615 CE, a Treaty of Peace was established with Mewar, marking a significant achievement in Mughal history.
• Jahangir's Rajput policy was ultimately successful, allowing Mewar to enjoy autonomy during his reign.