In 1626, which of the following generals carried out a daring coup against the Mughal emperor Jahangir?

Introduction / Context:
The later years of Jahangir reign were marked by court intrigues, rival factions, and dramatic power struggles. Among the most striking episodes was a coup style action led by one of his own generals, which briefly placed the emperor under armed control. This event illustrates the fragility of imperial authority when powerful nobles held large armies and personal ambitions. Understanding who led this coup helps learners link personalities to important political incidents in Mughal history.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The year given is 1626, during the reign of Jahangir. • The event is a coup against the emperor by a general or commander. • Options are Asaf Khan, Malik Ambar, Mahabat Khan, and None of these.

Concept / Approach:
To solve personality based political questions, it is useful to identify each figure by their main role. Asaf Khan was a powerful noble and relative of Nur Jahan, involved in court politics. Malik Ambar was a Deccan leader and military strategist in the service of the Ahmadnagar Sultanate, noted for guerrilla tactics against the Mughals, but not for leading a coup at the Mughal court itself. Mahabat Khan was another high ranking Mughal general known precisely for seizing Jahangir in a surprise move, an event often referred to as the Mahabat Khan revolt. Once you remember that association, the answer follows directly.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Place the event in time: 1626, near the end of Jahangir reign. Step 2: Recall that there was a famous incident where Jahangir was taken prisoner in a daring military action by one of his own generals. Step 3: Remember that this general was Mahabat Khan, a leading Mughal commander who rebelled due to grievances and fear of losing favour at court. Step 4: Compare this with Asaf Khan role as a court noble allied with certain factions rather than as a rebel general seizing the emperor. Step 5: Note that Malik Ambar operated primarily in the Deccan as an opponent of Mughal expansion, not as a commander in Delhi staging a coup against Jahangir. Step 6: Since Mahabat Khan fits the description and the year, choose Mahabat Khan. Step 7: With a correct match, the option None of these can safely be rejected.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall the event by name. Many textbooks describe it as the Mahabat Khan revolt or the Mahabat Khan episode, in which the general staged a sudden uprising while accompanying the emperor. This label itself embeds the answer. Cross referencing the year and the emperor in exam oriented summaries confirms that the coup involved Mahabat Khan restraining Jahangir, while Nur Jahan manoeuvred to restore control. This cross check aligns all three elements, leaving no doubt about the correct option.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Asaf Khan: Influential noble and father in law of Shah Jahan but not the leader of this particular coup against Jahangir. Malik Ambar: Deccan based military leader who resisted Mughal expansion, not a Mughal general staging a coup at the imperial court. None of these: Incorrect because Mahabat Khan is clearly the historical figure associated with the event.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students confuse Malik Ambar resistance in the Deccan with internal Mughal court politics, leading them to choose his name whenever a military challenge to the Mughals is mentioned. Others mix up Asaf Khan and Mahabat Khan due to similar sounding titles and because both were close to the centre of power. To avoid these mistakes, associate each name with one or two unique keywords: Mahabat Khan with the coup against Jahangir, Malik Ambar with Deccan guerrilla tactics, and Asaf Khan with the Nur Jahan and Shah Jahan connection.

Final Answer:
The general who carried out a daring coup against Jahangir in 1626 was Mahabat Khan.