In the era of Mughals, gurus of different regions teach Shahzadas.
Teachers day 2025: In modern times, everyone is given book education. After this, he gets expertise in the area where he wants to go. People get education ranging from schools, colleges and universities to religion and spirituality. But have you ever wondered what Mughal princesses were taught? Who used to be his gurus? Let’s try to know.
Mughal princesses were actually given all kinds of education. According to historians, his gurus were scholars from different regions. Many times there were such scholars in the Mughal court itself, who used to expect the princesses in various genres. Among them, from religious gurus and darvesh to military training and general knowledge, they were knowledgeable. These princesses were taught from religion, literature, philosophy, military skills, general knowledge to history. Under religious education, he was taught Quran, Hadith and Sufism. Apart from this, moral values were also taught along with other religious texts.
Shehzadas were taught poems and other important works in literature. He was introduced to important historical events and various philosophical ideologies to give knowledge of history and philosophy. Topics like mathematics, geography, astronomy and medical science were also taught. Almost all the skills of war were taught to him to run governance in future. At that time, fencing and horse riding were very important. Educationally and royal behavior were specially educated. From time to time, their training was given to the princesses.
Mughal emperor Babur and son Humayun.
Bairam Khan was the guru of both father-son Humayun-Akbar
Talking about the Gurus of Mughal Shahzadas, Humayun got his early education from his father Babur. His religious guru Sheikh Bhul or Sheikh was Bahlul. At the same time, as a patron, Bairam Khan gave Humayun political knowledge, military training and practical knowledge. Later, after the death of Humayun, Akbar took power at a very young age, with his patron, political, practical and military guru Bairam Khan became informally. Apart from these, Mulla Asamuddin Ibrahim taught Akbar.
Akbar had got knowledge of Jain philosophy from Jain Guru Hiravijay Suri and was the one who inspired Akbar for her vegetarianism. Abul Fazal, who was among the Navratnas of Akbar, was also a scholar of history, philosophy and literature. Another such Navratna and Akbar’s Education Minister Faizi was appointed to teach Akbar’s sons. He was a scholar of Greek and Islam literature. Later, in view of talent, he was included in the Navratnas of the court.
Emperor Akbar.
Jahangir’s guru was Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana
One of the Navratnas of Akbar was the Guru of Defense Minister Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana Shahzade Salim (Jahangir). Abdul Rahim Khan-e-Khana, son of Bairam Khan, protected the king’s son like his father. Rahim’s couplets are part of courses till date. He was also knowledgeable of astrology and also wrote books on Jyoti named Khetkautukam and Dwatrimash Industries.
Sheikh Chilli gave knowledge to Dara Shikoh
Historians do not take the name of any one person as the guru of Shah Jahan. However, according to the royal tradition, he was proficient in every genre. At the same time, Sheikh Chilli’s name appears as the guru of Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shiroh, who is usually depicted as a laughing character. Shah Jahan also respected Sheikh Chilli. Dara Shikoh was his fan.
Dara Shikoh learned a lot from the great Darvesh Sheikh Chilli, which was also known by the names Abd Urr Rahim, Alas Abd Ui Karim, Alas Abd Urr Razzaq etc. Born in a clan in Balochistan, Sheikh Chilli came to India due to his devotional tendency and on the strength of his scholarship, there was respect in the eyes of Shah Jahan.
Aurangzeb’s elder brother Dara Shikoh.
Aurangzeb buried next to Guru’s grave
Aurangzeb is usually considered a cruel Mughal ruler. It is also true that he was staunch about Islam but was also influenced by Islamic scholars, Sufi saints and spiritual guides. Sufi saint Syed Zainuddin Shiraji had the most impact on him, whom he considered his spiritual guru.
Aurangzeb.
Hazrat Khwaja Syed Zainuddin Shiraji was born in the city of Shiraz in Iran in 1302 AD. He educated Hazrat Maulana Kamaluddin and reached Delhi and then Daulatabad via Mecca. Saint Shiraji, a follower of Delhi’s Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, spent his life in the propagation of Islamic education.
In the end, he lived in Khuldabad, Maharashtra and started teaching followers. There is their grave there. Aurangzeb was so impressed with him that after his death, he had expressed his desire to bury near his grave. Therefore, Aurangzeb’s grave is also there.
Also read: What is the connection of Hyderabad Gazette with Maratha reservation in Maharashtra?