Nur Jahan was the wife of the 4th Mughal Emperor Jahangir. She emerged as the beacon of strength and elegance in a world of royal intrigue and unyielding power. Born as Mehr-un-Nissa, she defied societal norms and transformed into the captivating Nur Jahan, leaving her mark on history.
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Nur Jahan is born
Nur Jahan was born in Kandahar, Afghanistan on 31 May 1577. Her father was a Persian nobleman who served the Mughal emperor Akbar. She was well-educated and learned Persian, Arabic, art, literature, music etc. At the age of 17, she married Sher Afgan Khan, a soldier in the Mughal army. But her life changed dramatically after her husband’s death.
Jahangir marries Nur Jahan
Nur Jahan was taken to the Mughal court as a widow and became a lady-in-waiting to the empress. There, she caught the eye of Emperor Jahangir, who was captivated by her beauty and intelligence. He married her in 1611 and gave her the title of Nur Jahan, meaning “Light of the World”.
Nur Jahan’s rise to power
Nur Jahan became the most influential and powerful empress in the history of the Mughal Empire. She was the only Mughal empress to have coinage struck in her name and to issue imperial orders. She sat beside Jahangir in his court and advised him on state affairs. She also had her own court where she met with generals, politicians and officials.
She was a patron of arts and architecture and commissioned many famous buildings and gardens. She was also a brave and skilled hunter who killed tigers with her musket. She supported trade and commerce and encouraged the production of textiles, carpets, jewellery and perfumes.
Decline and Death of Nur Jahan
She faced many challenges and enemies during her reign, especially from her stepson Prince Khurram, who later became Emperor Shah Jahan. After Jahangir’s death in 1627, Nur Jahan’s power declined. She retired from politics and lived in Lahore with her daughter. She died in 1645 at the age of 68 and was buried in a tomb that she had built for herself.
Legacy of Nur Jahan
Nur Jahan was a remarkable woman who defied the norms of her time and left a lasting legacy on the Mughal Empire. She is an inspiration for many women today who aspire to leadership and excellence.
Photo: Wikimedia
Last updated on October 10th, 2023 at 06:22 pm