The death of Bahadur Shah I in 1712 plunged the Mughal Empire into yet another brutal succession battle. Out of this turmoil emerged Jahandar Shah, a prince more famous for his indulgence than his leadership. His rise to the throne was not a triumph of personal strength but the result of the extraordinary influence of a single noble—Zulfikar Khan, the most powerful figure in the Mughal court at the time. Jahandar Shah’s reign, though lasting barely a year, symbolizes the moment when Mughal emperors became puppets, and the nobles began shaping imperial politics to suit their own ambitions.
A Degenerate Prince on the Throne
Jahandar Shah was never regarded as a capable or disciplined leader. Contemporary chroniclers describe him as a pleasure-loving and degenerate prince, heavily distracted by luxury, wine, and entertainment. When he finally seized the throne, he was already deeply entangled in relationships and indulgences that clouded his judgment. The effective control of the empire never lay with him. Instead, Zulfikar Khan, a powerful Irani noble, became the real director of Mughal policy.
Under Jahandar, the emperor was an ornamental figure—present for ceremony, yet absent from governance. The Mughal court, once the center of imperial policy, now bowed before the power of the nobles. This power imbalance marked a decisive shift in Mughal political culture and reflected the growing weakness of the monarchy.
Zulfikar Khan: The Real Ruler of the Empire
Zulfikar Khan was widely recognized as the kingmaker, the strategist who orchestrated Jahandar Shah’s accession. His political clout was unmatched, and he essentially ran the administration as a de facto prime minister. He introduced several reforms, guided revenue policies, and attempted to restore some degree of fiscal stability to the empire. Unlike Jahandar, he understood the gravity of the challenges facing the Mughal state, and his initiatives—though short-lived—provided a glimpse of pragmatic governance during a period of deep decline.
However, Zulfikar Khan’s dominance also invited resentment from other nobles. The Mughal court, traditionally loyal to the emperor, grew uneasy at the subordinate status of the monarch. This internal tension later contributed to the swift downfall of both Jahandar Shah and his powerful minister.
Religious and Administrative Reforms: Jizya Abolished and Ijara Introduced
One of the most notable decisions taken during Jahandar Shah’s rule was the abolition of the jizya tax. Unlike Aurangzeb’s stricter religious policy, Jahandar—under Zulfikar Khan’s guidance—opted for conciliation with non-Muslim subjects. This step was both practical and symbolic, aiming to reduce resentment and restore administrative calm.
Another significant development was the encouragement of the Ijara (revenue farming) system. Under this arrangement, revenue collection rights were auctioned to the highest bidder, who then bore responsibility for remitting a fixed amount to the state. Although controversial, Ijara was seen as a quick method to increase income during a time when the imperial treasury was under enormous pressure. The measure reflected Zulfikar Khan’s attempt to stabilize finances, though its long-term effects were mixed.
The Maratha Settlement: Chauth, Sardeshmukhi, and New Obligations
One of the most interesting policy decisions of Jahandar Shah’s reign involved the Marathas. To ease conflict in the Deccan, Zulfikar Khan negotiated a settlement under which the Marathas would be granted:
- Chauth (25% tax)
- Sardeshmukhi (10% tax)
for the Deccan region. This settlement later came to be known as the “Magna Carta of the Maratha dominion,” as it marked a formal recognition of Maratha fiscal rights by the Mughal state.
This arrangement was widely noted by historians, including Sir Richard Temple, who emphasized its significance. In return, the Marathas agreed to maintain a force of 15,000 soldiers dedicated to protecting the Mughal emperor. This agreement reflected a shifting balance of power—where the once-mighty Mughal state now entered into negotiations from a position of weakness, granting revenue rights in exchange for security and cooperation.
A Fragile Reign That Ended Abruptly
Jahandar Shah’s rule was marked by instability from the start. His dependence on Zulfikar Khan alienated other powerful factions within the nobility. The empire’s institutions were already weakened, and the administrative lapses of previous decades made centralized control nearly impossible. Fate dealt its final blow when Farrukhsiyar, another Mughal prince, rose against Jahandar Shah with strong support from the influential Sayyid Brothers.
In early 1713, Jahandar Shah was defeated and executed. Zulfikar Khan was also put to death soon after, ending one of the most peculiar partnerships in Mughal history—a powerless emperor overshadowed by an over-powerful noble.
Conclusion
Jahandar Shah’s brief reign is less about personal achievement and more about what it revealed: the Mughal emperor was no longer the master of his empire. With influence slipping into the hands of nobles like Zulfikar Khan, the Mughal dynasty began transitioning from centralized monarchy to a fragmented, faction-driven political system. The abolition of jizya, the adoption of the Ijara system, and the Maratha settlement were policy experiments that reflected both creativity and desperation. His downfall marked the quickening pace of Mughal decline and paved the way for even deeper instability in the years that followed.
FAQ
Why is Jahandar Shah called a puppet emperor?
Because real power was exercised by his chief noble, Zulfikar Khan, while Jahandar indulged in pleasure and played little role in governance.
What were Jahandar Shah’s rule years?
He ruled from 1712 to 1713, a reign lasting barely one year.
Who was Zulfikar Khan?
Zulfikar Khan was an influential Irani noble and the de facto ruler during Jahandar Shah’s reign. He controlled administration, revenue reforms, and military policy.
What was the Ijara system introduced during Jahandar Shah’s rule?
The Ijara system was a revenue-farming method where tax collection rights were auctioned to contractors who paid a fixed amount to the government.
What agreement was made with the Marathas?
The Mughal administration granted chauth and sardeshmukhi of the Deccan to the Marathas, who in return agreed to raise 15,000 troops for Mughal protection.
