In Mughal history, some names are known for bravery and administration, while some become synonymous with infamy due to their eccentricity and luxury. One such name is Jahandar Shah, during whose time the Mughal court became less a center of power and more a stage of spectacle. This emperor, who used to hold court sometimes without clothes and sometimes in the guise of a woman, became one of the most controversial rulers in history in just nine months. His story of power, love and cruelty still shocks.

Power struggle after the death of Bahadur Shah

After the death of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I in the year 1712, a fierce struggle for succession began in the Sultanate. In this fight between his sons, Jahandar Shah ultimately emerged victorious and ascended the throne of Delhi. However, as soon as he got power, he started losing hope that he would prove to be a stable and strong ruler. According to historians, Jahandar Shah became more interested in luxury than governance.

Lal Kunwar’s influence and centralization of power

Lal Kunwar played the most important role in the life and rule of Jahandar Shah. Lal Kunwar was the daughter of a famous singer Khasurait Khan and was known for dancing and beauty. As soon as he assumed power, Jahandar Shah gave her the status of queen and awarded her the title of ‘Imtiaz Mughal’. After this, the reins of governance gradually passed into his hands. Many important decisions of the court started being taken on the advice and wish of Lal Kunwar.

Abundance of relatives and weakness of administration

Lal Kunwar used his influence to get high mansabs and jagirs for his family and close people. Kinship started getting preference over qualification in administrative posts. Due to this, dissatisfaction spread in the Mughal court and the old nobles and generals started losing confidence in the emperor. The seriousness of governance started waning and power became weaker.

cruel decisions and crazy actions

In history, Jahandar Shah is remembered not only as a debaucher but also as a cruel ruler. It is mentioned in many accounts that he took tough decisions considering his own sons as a threat to his power. Apart from this, his behavior towards the common people is also said to be merciless.

The naked court and the image of the ‘lewd’

Jahandar Shah is most discussed about his strange activities. It is said that sometimes he used to reach the court without clothes, and sometimes he used to attend meetings wearing women’s clothes. These actions deeply hurt the dignity of the Mughal Sultanate. This was the reason why contemporary historians and courtiers called him a ‘licentious’ and incompetent ruler.

Only nine months of reign and a painful end

Jahandar Shah’s rule was very short-lived. In just nine months, taking advantage of his weak policies and court discontent, his nephew Farrukhsiyar rebelled against him. After the decisive defeat on 6 January 1713, Jahandar was forced to flee with Shah Lal Kunwar, but was soon captured. Jahandar Shah’s end after being captured was very painful. He was brutally killed in jail itself.

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The Mughal emperor Jahangir (1569–1627) was Akbar’s eldest son and ruled from 1605 to 1627. However, historians believe that Jahangir’s rule was not completely independent from 1611 to 1627, as his wife Nur Jahan had a profound influence on him.

Jahangir and Nur Jahan were married in 1611. Nur Jahan was his 20th and last wife. His absence from Jahangir’s drug habits and court proceedings gave Nur Jahan an opportunity to hold power.

Alcohol and opium addiction
Jahangir has written in his autobiography Tuzuke-Jhangiri that at one time he used to drink 20 cups every day. 14 cups in the day and 6 cups at night. The ice used in alcohol was sourced from Kashmir. After this happened, he started to reduce the intake to 6 cups a day, but the addiction of opium remained as before. As a result, by 1622, he had become asthma due to opium and finally on 28 October 1627, he died due to asthma at the age of 58. Interestingly, two brothers of Jahangir died due to alcohol addiction.

Durbar in Guslakhana
According to a BBC report, Jahangir adopted the tradition of setting up a court in Gusalkhana (bathroom). This tradition was started by Sher Shah Suri, because his curly hair took time to dry, so he used to organize meetings in the bathroom itself. Jahangir also continued this tradition. His afternoon court used to be public, while the evening court used to take place in Guslakhana. There he used to drink and talk with his special people. After this, he used to sleep and used to eat at midnight.

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