12 Decrees of Jahangir

The Twelve Decrees of Jahangir, also known as the Twelve Edicts of Jahangir, were a set of administrative and moral directives proclaimed by Emperor Nur-ud-din Muhammad Jahangir (reigned 1605–1627) soon after his accession to the Mughal throne in 1605 CE. These decrees, inscribed on a monumental stone pillar (the Jahangir’s Chain of Justice and imperial edict pillar), symbolised the emperor’s vision of justice, welfare, and good governance. The Twelve Decrees were intended to regulate public life, curb corruption, protect subjects from oppression, and uphold ethical standards within the empire.

Historical Context

Jahangir, the son of Emperor Akbar, ascended the Mughal throne following Akbar’s death in 1605. His reign marked a continuation of the Mughal tradition of enlightened rule, combining justice, tolerance, and administrative reform. Jahangir sought to establish his legitimacy as a just ruler and moral authority through these decrees, reflecting the Persian-Islamic ideal of the padshah-i adil (the just sovereign).
The emperor was deeply influenced by his father’s liberal policies, Sufi ideals, and his own personal interest in philosophy and ethics. The edicts were designed to ensure justice for all subjects, both Muslim and non-Muslim, and to demonstrate the emperor’s direct involvement in governance and moral reform.

Overview of the Decrees

The Twelve Decrees, which Jahangir had proclaimed and later inscribed publicly, covered social, administrative, and moral issues. The following are the key principles of these decrees, as described in Jahangir’s own memoir, the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (Memoirs of Jahangir).

1. Prohibition of Cow Slaughter and Protection of Animals
   • Jahangir banned the slaughter of cows, oxen, and buffaloes throughout the empire, showing respect for Hindu religious sentiments.
   • He also restricted hunting and animal killing on certain days to promote compassion toward living beings.
2. Ban on Alcohol Consumption and Intoxicants
   • Although personally known for his fondness for wine, Jahangir sought to curb excessive drinking and ordered restrictions on public sale and consumption of alcohol and narcotics.
   • This was aimed at maintaining moral order and discipline among officials and the public.
3. Prohibition of Forced Labour (Begār)
   • The emperor forbade the use of forced labour by officials and nobles. Workers were to be paid fair wages for their services, particularly in royal construction projects.
4. Abolition of Corruption and Bribery in Government Offices
   • Jahangir emphasised honesty and integrity in administration.
   • He issued strict warnings against officials accepting bribes or exploiting common people, declaring that justice was the ruler’s foremost duty.
5. Prohibition of Inhuman Punishments
   • The decrees forbade mutilation and harsh corporal punishments. Jahangir instructed that penalties must be proportionate and humane, aligning with principles of justice and mercy.
6. Encouragement of Justice and Direct Petition to the Emperor
   • Jahangir revived Akbar’s ideal of insaf (justice) by ensuring that any subject could appeal directly to the emperor.
   • He established the famous “Chain of Justice” (Zanjir-i-Adl) outside his palace at Agra, so that any wronged person could seek the emperor’s attention by ringing the chain.
7. Regulation of Slaughter During Holy Months
   • Jahangir ordered that during certain sacred days and months, particularly the first day of every week (Sunday) — associated with the Sun, regarded as holy — no animals were to be slaughtered.
8. Protection of Property and Life
   • Theft, robbery, and unlawful seizure of property were strictly forbidden. Officials were held accountable for maintaining public safety and protecting citizens’ rights.
9. Religious Tolerance and Freedom of Worship
   • Jahangir reaffirmed Akbar’s principle of religious tolerance (sulh-i-kul).
   • He declared that no one should be persecuted or discriminated against for their religion or belief. Temples, mosques, and churches were to be protected alike.
10. Control of Market Abuses and Fair Trade

• Jahangir decreed that markets must be regulated to ensure fair prices and prevent profiteering.
• Officials known as muhtasibs (market inspectors) were tasked with preventing fraud and ensuring quality goods for consumers.

1. Prohibition of Child Marriage and Protection of Women

• The emperor discouraged child marriages and urged that women should not be subjected to oppression or forced confinement.
• Widow remarriage, though socially sensitive, was viewed sympathetically within his reformist vision.

1. Promotion of Public Welfare and Education

• Jahangir ordered the construction of inns (sarais), hospitals, and gardens, and the maintenance of existing institutions built under Akbar.
• He encouraged the spread of education and patronised scholars, artists, and physicians.

Symbolic Measures: The Chain of Justice

One of Jahangir’s most famous acts was the installation of the “Golden Chain of Justice” (Zanjir-i-Adl) at the Agra Fort. It was made of gold links and bells, and stretched from the fort’s balcony to the riverbank. Anyone seeking justice could pull the chain to alert the emperor directly.
This symbolised Jahangir’s personal commitment to justice, accessibility, and accountability — qualities central to Mughal kingship.

Significance of the Twelve Decrees

The Twelve Decrees of Jahangir were not merely administrative orders but an expression of the emperor’s moral and political philosophy. Their importance lies in several aspects:

1. Continuation of Akbar’s Humanist Legacy: Jahangir’s edicts reflected Akbar’s ideals of religious harmony, ethical governance, and social reform.
2. Mughal Concept of Justice: They embodied the Islamic and Persian principle of the ruler as the shadow of God on Earth, responsible for protecting the weak and ensuring justice.
3. Moral and Ethical Reform: By discouraging corruption, cruelty, and moral excesses, the decrees aimed to build a righteous and disciplined society.
4. Governance and Welfare: They reinforced state responsibility for public welfare, infrastructure, and fairness in administration.
5. Symbol of Enlightened Monarchy: The decrees projected Jahangir as an enlightened and benevolent ruler, enhancing his legitimacy among his diverse subjects.

Legacy

Jahangir’s Twelve Decrees remain one of the most celebrated examples of Mughal moral governance. While not revolutionary in legal terms, they reflected a progressive and humanistic outlook. The decrees established norms for justice, compassion, and ethical conduct that continued to influence Mughal administration under Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb.
They also strengthened the image of the Mughal emperor as not merely a conqueror but a custodian of public welfare and moral order. Jahangir’s reign, often described as one of peace, artistic flourishing, and judicial fairness, owed much to the ideals embodied in these edicts.