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    Powerful Women of the Mughal Empire

    Written by: Mahnoor Fatima
    Posted on: March 18, 2020 | | 中文

    A Portrait of Shah Jehan and Mumtaz Mahal as Equals

    Historical records show that Mughal kings were deeply invested in promoting female literacy, with free education and freedom of education prevalent in the land. Some women opted for religious education, while others became teachers, poets and authors to cultivate arts and culture. But it was the royal Mughal women who were the epitome of knowledge and culture. Though skilled in an array of subjects and expertise, each woman is revered for her unique character and unmatchable intellect.

    Featured below is a list of powerful Mughal Women of different historical eras, who used their privilege, upbringing and vast knowledge to leave a significant impact on the history of the empire:

    1. Gulbadan Begum

    Gulbadan Bano Begum (1523-1603) was the daughter of Emperor Babur, the first of the Mughal Kings. Although she is one of the lesser-known women in popular Mughal history, she is still remembered as a poet and historical writer of the highest caliber. She was observed to have an enviable library collection, and was fluent in both Turkish and Persian.

    Gulbadan Bano (center)

    Gulbadan Begum was ordered to write the history of her half-brother Humayun by her nephew and then-king, Akbar. She wrote Humayunnama from memory, in straightforward but rich sentences, not unlike today’s best novels. Not only was she one of the first figures to depict a more holistic, complex image of the royal family as individuals, she also wrote about the harem culture of the time. This was a big departure from male records which focused on wars and political alliances, to reveal the multifaceted, hierarchical life of a Mughal woman. Although some chapters were lost in time, the rest of the manuscript was found and translated in 1898. To this day, Humayunnama remains the only surviving historical record written by a woman about the 16th Century Mughal India.

    2. Meher-un-Nissa (Nur Jahan)

    Perhaps the most famous Mughal queen, Nur Jahan (1577-1645) was Jahangir’s wife, equal, and co-sovereign. Much work has been done on Nur Jahan’s life, her ascent to power from humble origins, her policies, and strong marriage. And Jahangir was not only besotted by her, but also deeply respected her ambition and it was a relationship of equality. She was the first queen to have coinage with her name engraved, and she began support programs for the disadvantaged in the empire. She famously signed her decrees with ‘Nur Jehan Padshah Begum’ or Nur Jehan, Lady Emperor.

    With her sharp intelligence, wit, charisma, temper, and practical sense, she ruled the empire at the height of its glory, without producing an heir for Jahangir. Also, she defied traditional norms by partaking in hobbies that were traditionally considered a male preserve, like hunting and architecture. Courtiers were shocked that Nur Jehan would sit in the imperial jhokra (balcony), space hitherto reserved for men of power. But while she was on par with men of power and intellect, she also remained a very feminine figure in texts. She possessed a rich command of poetry, textiles, and a sense of fashion and dressing that introduced a whole era of glitter and glamour in court.

    Noor Jehan Playing Polo with Other Women

    3. Arjuman Bano Begum (Mumtaz Mahal)

    Although she is remembered as the muse behind the iconic Taj Mahal, during her life Mumtaz Mahal (1593-1631) was revered for her knowledge and agreeable temperament. Like her aunt Nur Jahan’s marriage to Jahangir, hers and Shah Jahan’s relationship was one of genuine love and companionship, during a time when marriages were made for alliances and convenience. She regularly accompanied Shah Jahan on his military and diplomatic campaigns, and in turn, she received a royal seal and highest honor in the empire, the Mehr Uzaz.

    Mumtaz Mahal

    Although she did not play as prominent a role in government as did Nur Jahan, she was seen as an unofficial advisor in court, and had her own independent humanitarian programs. In particular, she extended financial support to economically disadvantaged teachers of madrassas, and girls from needy families. She also had command over the Persian language, and authored many poems.

    4. Jahanara Begum

    Jahanara Begum (1614-1681) was the eldest child of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal and a dedicated Sufi scholar. Jahanara was her father’s favorite, and was taught statesmanship from an early age. At age 17, Jahanara took the responsibility of her mother’s duties in court and the household. Records of her life showed that she was a refined and generous woman, not one for pomp and circumstance. She was close to her brother Dara Shikoh, as the two shared a mutual love of poetry, painting, literature and Sufism. And when Aurangzeb imprisoned his ailing father Shah Jahan, Jahanara stayed by her father’s side in the final moments of his life.

    Jahanara Begum with the Ailing Shah Jehan

    Her magnum opus is the two-part biographies of Sufi Saints Moinuddin Chishti of the Chishtiya order, and Mullah Shah. She actively participated in Sufism by extending her patronage to Sufi rituals, texts, and architecture, and encouraged women to engage in religious thought. Her book on her personal spiritual journey asked readers to “bear witness to the profundity of her faith and mystical understanding.”

    There are other such fine examples of women in Mughal India who were learned, cultured and were expected to contribute to the functioning of the Mughal Empire. Although these women belong to one family, they were highly evolved individuals both intellectually and culturally, which has allowed them to be remembered as more than their spouses’ wives and daughters. Their decisions, texts and patronage have allowed Mughal history to remain accessible for the coming generations.


    As the new year begins, let us also start anew. I’m delighted to extend, on behalf of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and in my own name, new year’s greeting and sincere wishes to YOULIN magazine’s staff and readers.

    Only in hard times can courage and perseverance be manifested. Only with courage can we live to the fullest. 2020 was an extraordinary year. Confronted by the COVID-19 pandemic, China and Pakistan supported each other and took on the challenge in solidarity. The ironclad China-Pakistan friendship grew stronger as time went by. The China Pakistan Economic Corridor projects advanced steadily in difficult times, become a standard-bearer project of the Belt and Road Initiative in balancing pandemic prevention and project achievement. The handling capacity of the Gwadar Port has continued to rise and Afghanistan transit trade through the port has officially been launched. The Karakoram Highway Phase II upgrade project is fully open to traffic. The Lahore Orange Line project has been put into operation. The construction of Matiari-Lahore HVDC project was fully completed. A batch of green and clean energy projects, such as the Kohala and Azad Pattan hydropower plants have been substantially promoted. Development agreement for the Rashakai SEZ has been signed. The China-Pakistan Community of Shared Future has become closer and closer.

    Reviewing the past and looking to the future, we are confident to write a brilliant new chapter. The year 2021 is the 100th birthday of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Pakistan. The 100-year journey of CPC surges forward with great momentum and China-Pakistan relationship has flourished in the past 70 years. Standing at a new historic point, China is willing to work together with Pakistan to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, connect the CPEC cooperation with the vision of the “Naya Pakistan”, promote the long-term development of the China-Pakistan All-weather Strategic Cooperative Partnership with love, dedication and commitment. Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founding father of Pakistan said, “We are going through fire. The sunshine has yet to come.” Yes, Pakistan’s best days are ahead, China will stand with Pakistan firmly all the way.

    YOULIN magazine is dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges between China and Pakistan and is a window for Pakistani friends to learn about China, especially the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. It is hoped that with the joint efforts of China and Pakistan, YOULIN can listen more to the voices of readers in China and Pakistan, better play its role as a bridge to promote more effectively people-to-people bond.

    Last but not least, I would like to wish all the staff and readers of YOULIN a warm and prosper year in 2021.

    Nong Rong Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of
    The People’s Republic of China to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
    January 2021