Jahangir vs Savang Vatthana

Jahangir ordered the execution of Guru Arjan Dev, the fifth Sikh guru, for supporting the rebellion of his son Khusrau. Guru Arjan Dev was tortured and died in Mughal custody. This event marked a turning point in Sikh-Mughal relations, leading to the militarization of the Sikh community.

Jahangir's eldest son, Prince Khusrau, rebelled against his father shortly after Jahangir's accession. Khusrau gathered an army and marched on Lahore. Jahangir's forces defeated the rebellion, and Khusrau was captured. He was later blinded and imprisoned, dying in 1622.

Jahangir married Mehr-un-Nissa, who was given the title Nur Jahan. She became his most influential wife and effectively co-ruled the empire. Nur Jahan controlled court appointments, issued decrees, and managed the empire's finances. Her influence marked a period of significant female political power in the Mughal court.

Jahangir granted the English East India Company permission to establish a trading post at Surat. This was the first formal English foothold in India. The company later expanded its influence, eventually becoming the dominant colonial power in the subcontinent.

Savang Vatthana became king of Laos following the death of his father Sisavang Vong. He inherited a kingdom already embroiled in civil war between the royal government, neutralists, and the communist Pathet Lao. His reign was marked by political instability and foreign intervention.

Savang Vatthana endorsed the Vientiane Agreement, a ceasefire accord between the royal government and the Pathet Lao. The agreement established a coalition government and temporarily halted fighting in the Laotian Civil War, but failed to resolve the underlying political conflict.

Following the Pathet Lao's military victory, Savang Vatthana abdicated the throne on December 2, 1975. The Lao People's Democratic Republic was proclaimed, ending 600 years of Lao monarchy. The king was appointed a 'private citizen' and 'adviser' to the new government.

Savang Vatthana, along with his family, was sent to a communist re-education camp in Houaphan Province. He died there in 1978 under unclear circumstances, likely from malnutrition and harsh conditions. His death was not officially acknowledged by the Lao government for decades.