Test: India in the First Half of 17th century - 1 - UPSC MCQ

In 1605, Prince Salim succeeded with the title Jahangir (Conqueror of the World) after the death of Akbar. Jahangir's reign lasted from 1605-1627.

Jahangir beheaded Guru Arjun, the 5th Sikh Guru, as he was one of the supporters of Khusrau, who Jahangir had defeated and imprisoned.

In 1611, Jahangir married Mehrunnisa, who was later known as Nur Jahan (Light of the World). She played a significant role in the political and administrative affairs of the empire.

Shah Jahan launched a continued war in the northwest frontier to recover Kandahar and other ancestral lands. His reign lasted from 1627-1658.

Shah Jahan's Deccan policy was successful as he defeated the forces of Ahmadnagar and seized it. Both Bijapur and Golconda signed a treaty with the emperor, leading to the creation of four Mughal provinces in the Deccan - Khandesh, Berar, Telungana, and Daulatabad.

The growing prosperity of the ruling classes did not filter down to the peasants during Shah Jahan's reign, which was a negative aspect of his rule.

In 1612, Asaf Khan's daughter, Arjumand Banu Begum (later known as Mumtaz Mahal), married Jahangir's third son, Prince Khurram (later Shah Jahan).

The immediate cause of Shah Jahan's rebellion was his refusal to proceed to Qandhar, which had been besieged by the Persians. This enraged Jahangir, who wrote harsh letters to Shah Jahan.

The alliance with the Rajputs, Afghans, and Marathas was a positive aspect of Shah Jahan's reign, as it helped maintain stability in the empire.

Shah Jahan is known for his architectural achievements, including the construction of the Taj Mahal, which was built in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.