By Admin 
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.
Also read: Why was this city of the world called the city of sins, how were the people here ‘punished’?