Foundations of an Imperial style

Review Administrative reforms in Akbar’s time extend imperial reach into the countryside Existing chiefs/Iqtadars are now classified as “zamindars” and given an option to join the new regime Steps takes to weaken the resources available to rebels Peasants benefit from some of these reforms (trade and monetization)

The Trading Networks Building of new roads— extension of Grand Trunk Rd. Abolishment of local tolls and taxes on trade Faujdars (imperial commanders) charged with keeping peace New currency regulations lift the value of Mughal coinage New carvanserais, kos minars, baolis (step wells) built Riverine systems dredged, port regulations formed, provisions made for the care of foreign travelers Kos minar or distance marker

The new Hybrid Imperial Style Monumental architecture in red sandstone and marble Stylistic motifs borrowed from indigenous styles— decorative motifs, pavilions, chattris

Panch Mahal in Fatehpur Sikri

Interpreting Akbar’s designs An imperial camp in stone?—Timurid roots An homage to the chisti Sufi designating the Imperial space as sacred (Fatehpur Sikri) New Architecture reflects new policy of borrowing and mixing Indigenous elements Reflects an entirely new way of thinking about urban planning and the new domestic space Can all of these be true?

Decorations from the Kacchwa palaces at Amber Compare w/ decorative motifs at Fatehpur Sikri

Detail of wall at Fatehpur Sikri

Amber: Hindu Temple, Mughal residence?

The Imperial Sacred Space Sheikh Chisti’s tomb in Sikri Note the serpentine brackets Mixture of Islamic and indigenous building styles Ritual use of screens

Ibadat Khana at Fatehpur Sikri Radial arrangement of space Elevated column/throne Architecture mirroring new policy of Sulh-i Kul?

Multiplicity of Motives? Humayun’s tomb in the new style The hasht-bihisht symbolism in garden and building The posthumous titles denoting sacredness Containing both Timurid and Indigenous themes

Hybridity in Other arts Notice central Asia/Chinese influence in the treatment of rocks Attention to details of Krishna mythology Mughal style apparent in the depiction of people— individualized portraits

Jahangir,

Succession and rule Akbar designated Salim as successor, but reluctantly—other sons were dead or incapacitated, Salim was rebellious Khusrau, Jahangir’s eldest son was already favored by many nobles, particularly Rajputs Sayyids of Barrah, however, were key to ensuring the succession as designated by Akbar (a locally powerful clan of Indian Muslims)

Jahangir’s Personality Struggled to emerge from his fathers’ large shadow—as is evident from the Tuzuk-i Jahangiri Establishes a reputation as a patron of arts and as one interested in scholarship Showed an interest in the novel and unexpected more than the routine—hunting, arts, exotica Good at delegating authority to talented men and women Addicted to alcohol and opium, but administration runs smoothly in other hands

Channeling Akbar’s legacy Continuation of the Din-i Ilahi and opposition to narrow constructions of Islam –Patronage of Chistis –Persecution of Sheikh Ahmad Sirhindi Persecution of the 5 th Sikh Guru, Arjan Dev Patronage of Gossain Jadrup Continuities and differences with Akbar

Visiting the Gossain Ascetic Jadrup

An Expanding Empire Trade continues to grow both overland and by sea Charters granted to the East India Company No “price revolution” or silver “inflation” in India comparable to Europe after the opening of new world silver mines Expanding frontiers in the west and south

Prince Khurram and Expansion Earlier expeditions by Jahangir and other imperial generals were not as successful –Mewar, Kangra, Ahom, Deccan Khurram emerges as the pre-eminent general in his father’s army Tactics include the use of checkpoints, expanded siege weaponry, holding hostages, diplomacy His success leads to eventual tensions with Jahangir

Major Campaigns for Khurram Mewar—1613 Kangra-1618 Deccan— including Ahmadnagar, Bijapur Golconda, this war produces a large treasure but also demonstrates the problems encountered in subduing the Deccan

Mewar Ahoms Kangra Areas Subdued By Khurram Fully Incorporated later

Nur Jahan Jahangir marries Nur Jahan in 1611 Father Itmad-ud-Daulah and Brother Asaf Khan quickly rise to level of Wizir Matrimonial alliances –Niece Mumtaz Mahal marries Khurram –Daughter Ladli Begum marries Shahrayar Rules as consort as evidence by Coins, seals, official documents, memoirs

Problems with Authority in this Period After 1611 and until 1621, Nur Jahan appears to be central in court affairs Prince Khurram controls the Army and displays open resentment of his father and later Nur Jahan –Declines transfer to the Deccan –Has to send children as hostage to court In-laws hold key posts, Asaf Khan supports Khurram Nobility splits its support, but continues to support Jahangir most of all

Jahangir’s Death and Crisis Problems with security evident in 1626 when Mahabat Khan seizes the Emperor and Nur Jahan Prince Parvez and Shahrayar emerge as contenders (only due to factions) Prince Khurram still far away from court when crisis errupts Persians seize Kandahar Asaf Khan secures the throne for Khurram