Thread by @MumukshuSavitri

1
From 1609-1616, the British sent ambassadors William Hawkins & Sir Thomas Roe to the court of Jehangir to get access to trade routes & permissions. Their description of Jehangir’s daily life reveals a lot about how responsibly the Mughals took the role of “nation builders”

2
Jehangir’s day started with Islamic prayers, followed by a couple of hours attending public court, then 2 hours sleep, food & harem time. From 12 - 3 in afternoon, he would revel in watching games where gladiators & animals fought against each other to satisfy his bloodlust.

3
During his afternoon diversions, the bloodthirsty Jehangir would sometimes kill men with his own hands. If gladiators did not entertain to his satisfaction, the Mughal king had “fun” punishments like watching gladiators' bellies ripped open by bears or stomped by elephants.

4
After the afternoon “entertainment”, there would be more Muslim prayers & another meal followed after which Jehangir went to “a private room” The private room was just a euphemism for the drink & drug room for only special select invitees.

5
There, Jehangir would drink at least five cups of strong alcohol. This was after doctors had restricted his usual 20 cups of double-distilled alcohol, mixed with opium everyday, because he had started suffering from seizures & liver disease.

6
After drinking, he would take opium and slept for a bit. After two hours, the completely stoned emperor would have food thrust in his mouth by servants, because he was so high that he could not move the limbs of his own body.

7
His harem wives like Noor Jahan would mix drinks with opium for Jehangir & concubines would care for him through the night to enjoy the honor of his presence. Then he would sleep it off - till the next day of great nation building.

8
When Roe tried to talk business to Jehangir, the great Mogul was far more interested in how much alcohol Roe drank & deep philosophical questions about what was beer, how was it made & whether Roe could make it for Jehangir.

9.
The fantastic administrative capabilities of Mughal emperors is obvious from the way they spent their day and night. In contrast, Hindu Mauryan kings woke up at 1.30 am & after a full day of administrative duties & self-improvement activities slept at 9:00 PM

Sources:

European Travellers in India: During the 15th, 16th and 17th Centuries; The Evidence Afforded by them with Respect to Indian Social ... of Indian Governments (Routledge Revivals) 1st Edition
by Edward Farley Oaten  

Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, 1: 308

Arthashastra