Explore the political and administrative changes during the early seventeenth century in India, including Jahangir’s rule and Nur Jahan's impact.

India in the First Half of the Seventeenth Century: Political and Administrative Developments

• The first half of the seventeenth century in India witnessed progress and growth under Mughal rulers Jahangir (1605-1627) and Shah Jahan (1628-1658).
• The Mughal rulers consolidated Akbar's administrative system, maintaining alliances with the Rajputs and broadening their political base with alliances including Afghans and Marathas.
• They embellished their capitals with beautiful marble buildings, transforming the Mughal court into a cultural hub of the country.
• The Mughals played a positive role in stabilizing India’s relations with neighboring Asian powers such as Iran, the Uzbeks, and the Ottoman Turks, which facilitated greater avenues for India’s foreign trade.
• However, despite these advancements, disparities persisted as the growing prosperity of the ruling classes did not alleviate the hardships faced by peasants and workers.

Jahangir's Reign and Challenges

• Jahangir succeeded Akbar without major internal conflict, but faced challenges including his son Khusrau's rebellion, reflecting typical succession tensions of the time.
• During Jahangir's reign, conflicts persisted with Mewar and Malik Ambar in the Deccan, as well as with Afghan chiefs in East Bengal, despite Akbar's earlier efforts to subdue them.
• Islam Khan, grandson of Shaikh Salim Chishti, played a pivotal role in Bengal, strategically moving the provincial capital to Dacca and subduing Afghan rebellions, thus consolidating Mughal power in the region.
• Jahangir emphasized reconciliation over force, integrating defeated Afghan chiefs into the Mughal nobility and restoring their estates, which contributed to a period of peace and prosperity in Bengal.

Nur Jahan's Influence and Succession Issues

• Nur Jahan, Jahangir's wife, emerged as a powerful political figure amidst challenges such as the Persian conquest of Qandahar, which undermined Mughal prestige.
• The growing instability due to Jahangir's failing health exacerbated succession struggles among princes and power struggles among the nobles, leading to political uncertainty.