This Mughal emperor banned killing animals on special days– and no, it wasn't Akbar
Today, animal rights and ethical treatment are part of growing conversations around the world. But more than 400 years ago, a Mughal emperor– better known for his love of art, wine, and luxury– made a quiet but remarkable decision that often goes unnoticed in history books.
Emperor Jahangir, son of Akbar, introduced a
ban on animal slaughter
on certain days of the year. It wasn't for public attention or religious reasons. It was a personal choice, supported by official orders, showing a thoughtful and unexpected side of leadership during the early 1600s.
Jahangir became emperor in 1605, following the rule of his father, Akbar. While Akbar is often praised for promoting religious tolerance and administrative reforms, Jahangir built on that legacy in his own way.
One of his first official orders as emperor was to ban animal slaughter on specific days of the year.
According to a report presented by ibiblio(dot)org, Jahangir mentioned in his memoirs, the
Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
, that Slaughter was not allowed on Thursdays, on Sundays (to honour Akbar's birthday), and during important Jain festivals. In a thoughtful and unusual decision, Jahangir also introduced a rule that increased the number of non-slaughter days each year, matching his age.
So, if he were 42 years old, then 42 days in that year would be dedicated to protecting animal life.
Jahangir's love for nature went far beyond maintaining royal gardens or keeping exotic animals. He was known for closely observing birds and animals, often writing about them in detail in his personal memoirs. These writings show a genuine interest and affection for the natural world around him.
He built places like Haathi Mahal– a rest house for elephants that had retired from royal service– and even made a proper tomb for his pet deer.
These were not just symbolic acts. They reflected his belief that animals were not just property or tools, but living beings worthy of care, respect, and dignity.
Jahangir's compassion wasn't limited to animals. One of his most well-known reforms was the installation of the Chain of Justice– a gold chain that stretched from Agra Fort to the riverbank. According to an online report by rediff(dot)com, anyone who felt they had been treated unfairly by local officials could pull the chain to ask for the emperor's direct attention.
It served as both a real and symbolic gesture of his commitment to justice.
He also introduced several welfare measures during his rule. These included building public hospitals, making travel routes safer, and banning harsh punishments like cutting off someone's nose or ears.
Some of Jahangir's policies did appeal to more conservative Islamic groups– for example, he removed certain taxes and put restrictions on alcohol.
But at the same time, he was unusually honest about his own life. As per rediff(dot)com, in his memoirs, he openly admitted that he continued drinking alcohol even after banning its sale in public. It was a rare moment of honesty from a ruler who seemed to understand the difference between public policy and personal choice.
His decision to ban animal slaughter also had a practical side. It helped build goodwill with the Jain community, especially in key trade cities where they held social and economic influence.
In this way, Jahangir showed that moral policies could also help maintain social balance.
Jahangir is often overlooked in comparison to the more famous Mughal rulers like Akbar and Shah Jahan. But his rule had its own quiet strength, marked by attention to detail, a sense of empathy, and a balanced way of governing. His steps toward animal welfare may seem small in the larger story of the Mughal Empire, but they offer a deeper look at a ruler who wasn't afraid to mix power with compassion.
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