J Jahangir (1596–1627) Mughal ruler Jahangir inherited the Mughal throne from his father, Akbar, the greatest Mughal emperor His realm included part of Afghanistan and the Indian subcontinent up to the Deccan It was one of the largest empires of the world and enjoyed prosperity Prince Salim (Selim) was Akbar’s eldest son, who took the reign name Jahangir, which means “world grasper.” He explained in his memoir that there was a contemporary Ottoman emperor also named Salim, which made him decide to change his name Jahangir had to suppress many revolts during his reign, including those of his sons, one of whom he had blinded after the revolt failed Other campaigns were against rulers in the Deccan area subdued by Emperor Akbar and again in revolt, and against the Persian ruler for control of Kandahar In addition to his frank memoir, there are vivid accounts by others about Jahangir One was by his boon companion, the English sea captain William Hawkins, and another was by Sir Thomas Roe, English ambassador, who arrived at the Mughal court in 1616 to negotiate a treaty between England and the Mughal government but failed and left two years later As were many Mughal princes, Jahangir was addicted to strong alcoholic drinks, and to eating opium, which seldom left him sober He professed himself an orthodox Muslim but was generally tolerant of other reli- Jahangir atop the Mughal throne: His reign was marked by good intentions, internal rebellion, and revolutions headed by his sons 185