Recovering a Missing Voice from Mughal India: The Imperial Discourse of Jahāngīr (R. 1605-1627) in his Memoirs

Author: Lefèvre, Corinne

Source: Journal of the Economic and Social History of the Orient, Volume 50, Number 4, 2007 , pp. 452-489(38)

Publisher: BRILL

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Abstract:

This article argues against the common view according to which the Mughal emperor Jahāngīr was a political lightweight who was dominated by his famous spouse Nūr Jahān. Beginning with a discussion of the historiographical processes which presided over the construction of such a negative image, the essay continues with a thorough re-examination of the emperor's memoirs entitled Jahāngīr Nāma. This text brings out a coherent and original political voice, in which Jahāngīr skilfully connects his identities of sovereign, naturalist, and collector. The conclusion evaluates the impact of this discourse through a brief analysis of the reaction of the Mughal political and religious elite.

Keywords: MUGHALS; POLITICS; AUTOBIOGRAPHY; NATURALISM; COLLECTIONS

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/156852007783245034

Affiliations: 1: CNRS, Paris;, Email: co.lefevre@gmail.com

Publication date: 2007-11-01