Who was Jehangir? Here's All You Need To Know About Mughal Emperor Akbar's Son

Ever since the report of Kareena Kapoor Khan and Saif Ali Khan naming their younger son 'Jehangir' was shared on social media, many people seem interested in turning the pages of history to know about the emperor of the Timurid dynasty also called the Mughal Empire that ruled for several centuries.

Saif and Kareena named their elder son Taimur Ali Khan Pataudi after the name of the Turko-Mongol warlord from Central Asia, who laid the foundations of the Mughal empire. Jehangir or Jahangir ended up ruling India for 22 years.

Although, none of the starts have confirmed this, the internet is abuzz with searches.

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Named After A Sufi Saint

Born in 1569 in Fatehpur Sikri, Nuruddin Muhammad Salim - who later came to be known with his imperial name Jehangir - was the fourth Mughal Emperor, who ruled from 1605 until his death in 1627. His father was none other than Akbar the Great. His mother was the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amber and took the name Mariam-uz-Zamani.

There¡¯s a story behind how Jehangir was named Salim. According to some historical records, Emperor Akbar wanted a son badly after losing many of his sons. He sought the blessings of Salim Chishti, a Sufi saint belonging to the Chishtiya Silsila.

With the prayers of the Salim Chishti, Akbar was blessed with a son whom he named after the spiritual leader, who was based in Fatehpur Sikri at that time.

Assumed Power At 36 And Expanded It Further

Barely a week after the death of Akbar, Salim succeeded to the throne. He was called Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir Badshah Ghazi. Jahangir¡¯s most favourite son was Khurram, who later came to be known as Shah Jahan.

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His most significant political achievement is said to be the cessation of the Mughal-Mewar conflict in 1613. Prince Khurram held the supreme command and Jehangir was at the heart of the action. The Rana Amar Singh recognised the Mughal Emperor as his suzerain, and all his territory in Mughal possession was restored, including Chitor¡ªalthough it could not be fortified.

Further, the Rajput rulers of Kangra, Kishtwar (in Kashmir), Navanagar, and Kutch (Kachchh; in western India) accepted the Mughal supremacy. Bir Singh Bundela was given a high rank, and a Bundela princess entered the Mughal harem. Also significant was the subjugation of the last Afghan domains in eastern Bengal (1612) and Orissa (1617).

Died On The Way To Lahore

In the 1620s, Jehangir started to struggle with his health. He reportedly travelled between Kashmir and Kabul to get his health better. He found Kashmir extremely cold and decided to move Lahore. However, he could not reach his destination and collapsed near Sarai Saadabad in Bhimber in 1627. His body was buried in Shahdara Bagh, a suburb of that city. The mausoleum is today a popular tourist attraction site.