New Delhi: Nur Jahan was born as Mehr-un-Nissa and was the chief consort of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. She is by far the most powerful woman in the history of the Mughal Empire due to her sheer bravery and courage. There was also a time when she was the de factor ruler of the empire, a feat which had not been held by any other Mughal woman. In this article, we will take a look at how powerful Nur Jahan exactly was.
Nur Jahan: The real power behind the throne
Nur Jahan was considered more decisive and proactive than Jahangir, who was the emperor of the powerful Mughals. Many historians have opined that for more than a decade, Nur Jahan was the real power behind the throne. She wielded a level of power and influence which was seen in any Mughal empress and she was granted honours and privileges never enjoyed by any of her predecessors or successors, like having coinage struck in her name. It was Jahangir’s addiction to hunting, alcohol and opium which made Nur Jahan’s accumulation of power possible.
Nur Jahan’s Rise to Power: Marriage and Political Strategy
Nur Jahan’s luck changed after her marriage to Jahangir. She convinced her husband to appoint her father Prime Minister and she placed various family members in high positions throughout the court and administrative offices to consolidate her position and power. She made her brother Asaf Khan the grand Wazir (minister) to Jahangir. Furthermore, she arranged for Ladli, her daughter to marry Shahryar, Jahangir’s youngest son. This wedding ensured the extension of Nur Jahan’s family’s influence over the Mughal Empire.
The Imperial Seal and Nur Jahan’s Control over the Mughal Empire
Jahangir had great trust and affection for Nur Jahan which gave her tremendous power in the state affairs.
Moreover, the emperor was addicted to alcohol and opium and it became easy for Nur Jahan to exert her influence. Jahangir trusted her so much that he gave her the highest symbol of power and determination of the decrees of the empire, his imperial seal. It meant that the perusal and consent of Nur Jahan were needed before giving legal validity to any document or order. Nur Jahan, for many years, wielded imperial power and was known as the Mughal throne’s real force.
Nur Jahan, born Mehr-un-Nissa, was the most powerful woman in Mughal history. Married to Emperor Jahangir, her influence stemmed from Jahangir’s addictions and her shrewd political manoeuvring. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
