No Mughal emperor officially prohibited slavery. While the Mughal Empire was known for its diverse and complex social structure, slavery remained a prevalent practice throughout its history.
Though there were attempts to regulate the practice and improve the conditions of slaves, complete abolition was never implemented. Some notable examples include:
- Emperor Akbar: Akbar, known for his progressive policies, attempted to regulate the treatment of slaves through legal reforms. He established a system to ensure fair treatment and prohibited the sale of slaves for immoral purposes.
- Emperor Jahangir: Jahangir, Akbar's son, continued some of his father's reforms and issued decrees against the mistreatment of slaves. He also encouraged the liberation of slaves, particularly those who had converted to Islam.
It is important to note that while these efforts were significant, they did not eliminate slavery entirely. The institution of slavery persisted throughout the Mughal Empire until its decline.
