Jahangir (1569-1627), the fourth Mughal Emperor of India and patron of the arts, ruled for 22 years.

Contributed by Santosh C. Saha, formerly Assistant Professor of History, Cuttington University, Liberia

Name variations: Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir; called by Akbar as Shaikhu Baba; on becoming emperor, assumed the title of Jahangir, "Seizer of the World," to avoid any confusion between himself and a recent sultan of Turkey, Selim II. Born Sultan Muhammad Salim in September 1569 at Fatehpur-Sikri near Agra; son of Akbar and Hindu princes; married at the age of 15 to the daughter of the Hindu King Bhagwan Das of Amber, February 13, 1585; married several other women, including Nur Jahan in 1611. Predecessor: Akbar. Successor: Upon his death, his third son, Khurram became the ruler of Mughal India as Shah Jahan.

Jahangir was an amicable, liberal Muslim--an emperor who loved painting, architecture, and the fine arts. A successful and benevolent ruler, he cherished...