New Delhi: The relationship between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Jodha Bai has been a topic to explore in popular culture since the release of the 2008 film ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ starring Hrithik Roshan and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan. In reality, Jodha Bai was Mariam-uz-Zamani, Akbar’s chief consort and principal Hindu wife and also his favourite wife. Also, Jodha Bai was the longest-serving Hindu empress of the Mughal Empire as she was in that position for 43 years.
Who was Mariam-uz-Zamani?
Mariam-uz-Zamani was the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer and his wife Rani Champavati, daughter of Rao Ganga Solanki. Her birthname is not known for certain but she has been erroneously called Jodha Bai in modern times as per reports.
Akbar honoured her with the title Mariam-uz-Zamani on the occasion of the birth of Jahangir, their son. Jahangir. She was referred to in contemporary Mughal chronicles by this title including the autobiography of Jahangir, the ‘Tuzk-e-Jahangiri’. She was first erroneously called Jodha Bai’ in James Tod’s ‘Annals and Antiquities of Rajasthan’ which was written in the 19th century.
When and why did she marry Akbar?
Her marriage with Akbar, which took place on February 6, 1562, was a political one as Mariam-uz-Zamani’s father needed to protect himself and his family from Akbar’s brother-in-law, Sharif-ud-din Mirza. She became the favourite wife of Akbar and became a living symbol of liberalism that the Mughal Emperor propagated. She was intelligent and charming and emerged as the perfect companion to the monarch. According to Abul Fazl, she was a woman both of intellect and tact.
She enjoyed considerable freedom of speech and was permitted to observe the proceedings of the imperial court. She influenced Akbar to follow Hindu rituals and customs and even reportedly influenced the emperor not to eat beef since cow is a sacred animal in the Hindu religion. Her immense influence in the Mughal court displeased the Muslim conservatives who could do little to curb her power.
She was also influenced by trade and commerce and had ships that carried pilgrims to and from Mecca. Also, she ran an extensive trade of silk among other businesses. She was a patron of art and architecture as well. Mariam-uz-Zamani also enjoyed a great bond with her son Jahangir who used to touch her feet as a mark of respect. She passed away in May 1623 as an immensely rich and powerful woman who was buried close to her husband.
Mariam-uz-Zamani was the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer and his wife Rani Champavati, daughter of Rao Ganga Solanki. Her birthname is not known for certain but she has been erroneously called Jodha Bai in modern times as per reports. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
