Empress Nur Jahan: Who wielded her authority in Indian Mughal Court

On this day, 18th December in 1645 CE, the Mughal Empress, and wife of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, Nur Jahan died in Lahore (now in Pakistan). She was born Muhr-un-Nisa, but when Jahangir married her in 1611 CE, he granted her the title Nur Mahal (light of the palace), which she eventually elevated to Nur Jahan (light of the world).

Nur Jahan was stunningly beautiful, intelligent, educated, very brilliant, cultured, and a great artist. She was especially generous to the impoverished and oppressed. She used to give a large sum of money to charity every day.

Nur Jahan possessed exceptional physical strength and health. She was a wonderful hunter and shooter. She is claimed to have killed four tigers with only six rounds.

Nur Jahan, a hardworking and competent politician, rose to become the most powerful person in the Empire, making her the most prominent woman in Mughal India. She became the emperor's favourite wife and was therefore powerful in court. She wielded considerable power over Jahangir and so had a direct impact over governmental matters.

Nur Jahan was the only woman in the entire Mughal history to have coinage struck in her name. The inscription on the coin is as follow (translated by Dirk Dirk Collier):

By the order of Emperor Jahangir, gold has a hundred splendors added to it by receiving the impression of the name of Nur Jahan, the Queen Begam.

Nur Jahan was very concerned about the state of women, particularly orphan girls in her reign. She held informal courts where she discussed matters and rend decisions on requests from court nobility.

How Nur Jahan’s father made to the Mughal Court?

Mirza Ghiyas Beg, a Persian aristocrat, was Nur Jahan's father. Mirza Ghiyas Beg joined the service of Mughal Emperor Akbar after abandoning his homeland. The caravan of Mirza Ghiyas was ambushed by robbers while travelling east, and his family lost practically everything.

Ghiyas and his wife Asmat Begam eventually made their way to Qandahar, where she gave birth to Nur Jahan (born as Mehr-un-Nisa). Mirza Ghiyas, fortunately, was able to enter Akbar's court from then on. Ghiyas was a well-educated and capable man who quickly ascended through the ranks.

Marriage to Jehangir:

Nur Jahan married first to Ali Quli Istajlu, an officer in the Mughal imperial service. Nur Jahan became a widow at an early age after her husband died.

Jahangir saw her in Meena Bazar four years later, in March 1611 CE. Jahangir was so taken with her beauty that he married her within two months. Jahangir considers his new gorgeous wife to be a blessing and a true soulmate. While Nur was dedicated to Jehangir, he was also fond of Nur and trusted her with governmental issues.

An empress who managed court affairs:

Historians claim that Nur Jahan was frequently seen in the jharokhas receiving audiences and issuing commands, sometimes without Jehangir. Jehangir was frequently absent from court proceedings due to his opium and alcohol addiction, making it easier for Nur to impose her power. Such power in the hands of an empress was unprecedented at a time when women were required to wear veils.

Nur Jahan was the only Mughal empress whose name was engraved on coins. She was a skilled markswoman who was also observed hunting tigers with her spouse. Nur Jahan, known for her astute scheming and physical strength, rescued Jehangir from the clutches of rebel commander Mabahat Khan in 1626.

Rate and Support our Work: @The Inside History