Shah Jahan r (d.1666)

The Succession in 1628 Sparked by Jahangir’s illness when Khurran (Shah Jahan) was still in the Deccan Asaf Khan, Nur Jahan’s brother was key to securing the throne under Dawar Baksh temporarily Eventually all serious contenders to the throne are killed once Shah Jahan’s claim is secure

Some consequences The supporters of the other factions were distrusted by Shah Jahan –Rebellion of Khan Jahan Lodi –The Budelakhand expedition against Jhunjhar Singh Shah Jahan demonstrates the considerable power of the Emperor to deal with challenges by all ranks of nobles Some examples of temple-razing are connected with rebellion

Geographical limits of Empire

Some problematic campaigns campaign in Balkh under Murad and Aurangzeb (stalemate) Kandahar, 1638, (stalemate) Lesser Tibet and Gharwal Himmalyas (not worth the cost) Campaign against Ahoms (leads to a secure border in east) Deccan campaigns—Golconda/Bijapur

Consequences of Campaigns On the plus side secure and stable borders are recognized by both sides Extension of cultivation in Sind and Bengal, growth in mansabdari there On the negative side, considerable loss of life and money for little gain Demonstrates the geographical limits of empire had been reached (except in the deccan)

Campaigns and princes The princes had different talents Aurangzeb was by far the most suited to campaigns and administrative functions Dara Shikoh had strength in diplomacy Rivalry already obvious

Key elements of Shah Jahan’s Rule Increased centralization of rule resistance to rebellion internally Great prosperity and extended trading contacts Size of nobility rises as does the upper level of rural peasants (khud kasht) Massive building projects by emperor and nobility Increased orthodoxy of religious life by Emperor, but not necessarily in court

The Taj Mahal

Signs of economic growth Stable prices Increased revenue by 26% from Jahangir’s time, at the same time Khalisa or crown lands increased for stability More towns with populations of a million—Delhi, Lahore, Agra, Patna, Ahemdabad, Surat Population increases despite a famine in 1630s Quick adoption of new world crops: tabacco, maize/ and sericulture in Bengal from China

Economic Growth by class Nobles’ wills record estates in the 10s of millions with considerable holdings in land, gold, jewelry Increased recruitment of different castes into military and administration shows peasants and clerical castes risings Numbers of Khud Kasht holders increases creates a new elite status in rural areas Merchant groups also report increased profits –Dutch revenue 150,000 fl in 1648(4.6 million by 1720)

Rembrandt’s Mughal Paintings

Economic Growth and Shah Jahan Decreased reliance on financiers/bankers by government, sufficient reserves in Imperial treasury Inflation of Mansabdari ranks, however, does mean a decrease in actual pay/cavalry units associated with rank, more nobles created Despite heavy expenditure in military campaigns and architecture, Shah Jahan still leaves behind a reserve of 95 million Overall economically the state is robust with some indication of prosperity across ranks

Requirements for Rough Draft of Research Paper Should be a complete rough draft with intro, body, conclusion, bibliography Reference (endnotes or footnotes) and bibliography should be in Chicago style Should have a clear thesis Please proof read your draft before turning it in I’ll be happy to meet with you to review the draft before the due date (2/25 by 5 pm)

After Break--Shah Jahan’s Architecture From Sandstone to Marble

Major Projects Extensive re-modeling of Agra and Lahore forts Shahjahanabad—imperial capital at Delhi Taj Mahal Ajmer shrine and mosque Shalimar gardens in Kashmir Numerous minor projects—palaces, mosques, gardens, mausoleums

Agra All buildings inside older fort demolished and replaced with marble palaces with extensive decorations in semi-precious stones Ramparts repaired and strengthened Monumental doorways installed Viewing balconies, especially on river side facing the Taj Mahal

Balcony and Rampart, Agra

The Taj Mahal and its precedents

Common Feature Both rely on the chahar bagh plan with the building placed in a garden setting with two water channels Use of pietra dura work and marble more evident in Nur Jahan’s tomb for her father Itmad-ud Daula Use of Minarets, base, arches, and ceremonial gateways in each building

Itmad-ud Daula

Mughal Pietra Dura Harder marble retains carved features better than sandstone Wealth of empire reflected in the semi- precious stones used Floral and animal motifs common to painting and mural arts

Inscriptional Panels, Taj Mahal Use of older Kufic script accentuates Geometry

Shalimar Gardens References ideas of the hasht-bihisht or paradise Play of stone and water integral part of the plan Uses engineering techniques similar to those used in the fort palaces and in the Taj

Shalimar Gardens

Associated Projects Nobility and Royal family collaborated on major projects –Havelis built by nobles in Delhi –Jahan Ara’s patronage of Chandani Chowk –Sub-imperial styles evolve regionally can be seen in the tombs and palaces of various mughal provinces