Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s Role in Forming a Multi-Religious Society

Ateef Ul Rehman
Ph.D. Research Scholar, University of Sargodha
Email: [email protected]
Dr. Farhat Naseem Alvi
Chairperson, Department of Islamic Studies, University of Sargodha

Abstract
In multi-religious society of the Indian subcontinent, Emperor Noor-Ur-din Saleem Jahangir, like his father and Mughal predecessors, was also so kind to Hindus and other non-Muslims. This article aims to cover Jahangir’s reforms, efforts for peaceful coexistence and good interfaith interaction. Jahangir carried out a few reforms while continuing the policy of humanitarianism and inter-religious tolerance, among which Zanjeer-e-Adl (Chain of Justice) became quite famous. The purpose of creating and imposing Zanjeer-e-Adl was to provide speedy justice irrespective of religion. Jahangir allowed followers of all religions living in India’s multi-religious society to have full religious freedom and to build places of worship. Emperor Jahangir appointed both Muslims and non-Muslims to major government positions. In view of inter-faith interaction, he married the daughter of Raja Man Singh’s eldest son Raja Jagat Singh in 1609 A.D. As a result, Jahangir set such an example of peaceful coexistence, harmony and justice that he became the symbol of justice in India’s multi-religious society.
Keywords: Mughal, multi-religious society, Interfaith, Harmony, Zanjeer-e-Adl