Mughal Food Diplomacy: Akbar United, Aurangzeb Divided, Shah Jahan Displayed Power

• Mughal emperors used food as a crucial tool for power, culture, and diplomacy, pioneering "food diplomacy" in India.
• Akbar skillfully employed feasts to foster Hindu-Muslim unity, incorporating Indian dishes and adapting to Jain influences.
• Jahangir used feasts for personal networking, while Shah Jahan showcased imperial grandeur with lavish banquets.
• Aurangzeb, in contrast, simplified court feasts, reflecting religious boundaries and reducing royal expenses.
• Food gifts, from royal kitchen dishes to fruits like mangoes, served as diplomatic gestures of favor, friendship, and power.

Why It Matters: Mughal emperors masterfully wielded food as a strategic tool for diplomacy, power, and cultural integration.