Jahangir was a Mughal Emperor who succeded Mughal ruler Akbar. His ruling period was 1605 � 1627 A.D. Let us learn about his administration and reforms.

Administration:

The administration system introduced by Akbar was promoted by his son, Jahangir as well. The state was divided into four main departments. Diwan, Mir Bakhshi, Mir Saman, and Qazi were the four main officers. But do you know, what did they do?

The head of the revenue department was called Diwan. He was responsible for all the income and expenditure.
The head of the military department was called Mir Bakhshi.
The head of the Karkhanas (a manufacturing unit) was called Mir Saman.
The head of the judiciary was called the Qazi.

Like Akbar, Jahangir also used to meet his subjects in Diwan-i-Aam and listen to their problems. He conducted meetings with his officers in the Diwan-i-Khas.

Mughal Court & Reforms By Jahangir

Following reforms were introduced by him for better administration:

1. Abolition of transit and customs duties: Jahangir ended the tax paid for the commodity passing through customs (border).

2. He banned the use of wine and tobacco.

Like his father, Jahangir also followed the policy of matrimonial alliances with the Rajputs and won over their trust.

� One of the most important characteristics of Jahangir was his love for justice. It is said that he ordered to construct the long golden chain with bells. He got this chain tied to the wall of his palace.

Anyone mistreated by government officials could pull the chain and make his complaint. Jahangir used to listen to these complaints in Diwan-i-Aam and provide the solution to the problem.

Relations with the Europeans

Portuguese established their trade centers in India during the reign of a Mughal king, Akbar. During the reign of the Jahangir, the British tried to establish their trade centers for the first time. Two ambassadors of King James I of England reached India and approached Jahangir. Do you know who were these ambassadors?

They were John Hawkins and Sir Thomas Roe. John Hawkins was an English naval commander and Sir Thomas Roe was an English diplomate whose job was to represent his country in other nations. Sir Thomas Roe tried to convince Jahangir to grant permission to establish trade centers in India. He agreed and gave them his consent. That�s how they established a factory at Surat.

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