When we talk about great rulers in the mainstream historical narrative of India, we think of names like Ashoka, Akbar, Ranjit Singh or Rajaraja I. Rarely do we come across names of women leaders who have contributed equally in developing the political, commercial, and architectural landscape of India. While there are many names which can be accorded for this discussion, this post honors one such lady who although was not born in India but made this country her true home.
The story starts in 1577 when Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who belonged to a family of Persian nobility, suffered through the hands of fortune and decided to relocate in India which was flourishing under the rule of Emperor Akbar. He started traveling towards India along with his pregnant wife Asmat Begum and two children. Their journey was difficult and when they reached Kandahar (in Afghanistan), Asmat Begum gave birth to a girl. It is said that after the baby was born the family was taken in by a caravan whose leader Malik Masud later helped Ghiyas Beg in obtaining a position in the Mughal Royal Court. The family believed that after the birth of the baby girl their fate changed and hence, she was named as Mehr-un-Nissa or ‘Sun among Women’.
Over the years, Ghiyas Beg rose in the ranks and was appointed as diwan (treasurer) of the Kabul province. He was later given the title of Itimad-ud-Daula or ‘Pillar of the State’ by Emperor Akbar. His position in the royal court ensured a good education for Mehr-un-Nisa who became well versed with Arabic, Persian, art, literature, and music. She was married to her first husband Ali Quli Istajlu (also known as Sher Afgan Khan) in 1594 who joined the Mughal Army, but he was killed in 1607. Mehr-un-Nisa was brought to Agra, along with her daughter Ladli Begum, on the order of Jahangir who succeeded the throne in 1605. She was appointed as ‘lady-in-waiting’ to the Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, who had been one of the chief wives of the late Emperor Akbar. Later in 1611, Mehr-un-Nisa became the twentieth and last legal wife of Jahangir who bestowed her with the title of Nur Mahal (Light of the Palace) and Nur Jahan (Light of the World).
Source – Wikimedia Commons, the free media repository
There are many fictional stories of how the love between Jahangir and Nur Jahan started, however, it is widely believed that they fell in love in Meena Bazaar[1] which was a royal affair in Mughal Empire. Slowly, Nur Jahan became the most cherished wife of Jahangir. With Jahangir’s addiction of opium and his affection towards her, she wielded the real power of Mughal throne. Not only was she skilled in administrative procedures, but she was also a great military leader who ensured the safety of Mughal Empire. She is also known to rescue Jahangir after he was captured by rebels on his way to Kashmir in 1626. She also had great hunting skills and there are famous tales of her killing four tigers with only six bullets.
Apart from her administrative prowess, she had also proved herself to be equally competent in matters of commerce and trade. She wore many hats which included her love for art, architecture, music, and textiles, among other things. Although this post was originally meant to honor Nur Jahan’s patronage in art and architecture, it would not have made any sense without knowing who she was. She was a true champion of the public who voiced strongly for women’s right, she was a force to be reckoned with. There will be more on her in my next post, so please keep reading and supporting! Stay tuned for the next one!
[1] A fair held during the spring festival of Nowruz which celebrates the coming of the new year.
Sources:
- https://www.telegraphindia.com/culture/books/the-remarkable-life-of-mughal-empress-nur-jahan/cid/1683944
- https://www.vogue.in/content/nur-jahan-the-first-mughal-feminist-icon
- https://itihaastohistory.com/nur-jahan-the-power-behind-the-veil/
- https://www.aramcoworld.com/Articles/November-2016/Malika-V-Nur-Jahan
Echoes of Time 