In Mughal history, some names are known for bravery and administration, while some become synonymous with infamy due to their eccentricity and luxury. One such name is Jahandar Shah, during whose time the Mughal court became less a center of power and more a stage of spectacle. This emperor, who used to hold court sometimes without clothes and sometimes in the guise of a woman, became one of the most controversial rulers in history in just nine months. His story of power, love and cruelty still shocks.

Power struggle after the death of Bahadur Shah

After the death of Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah I in the year 1712, a fierce struggle for succession began in the Sultanate. In this fight between his sons, Jahandar Shah ultimately emerged victorious and ascended the throne of Delhi. However, as soon as he got power, he started losing hope that he would prove to be a stable and strong ruler. According to historians, Jahandar Shah became more interested in luxury than governance.

Lal Kunwar’s influence and centralization of power

Lal Kunwar played the most important role in the life and rule of Jahandar Shah. Lal Kunwar was the daughter of a famous singer Khasurait Khan and was known for dancing and beauty. As soon as he assumed power, Jahandar Shah gave her the status of queen and awarded her the title of ‘Imtiaz Mughal’. After this, the reins of governance gradually passed into his hands. Many important decisions of the court started being taken on the advice and wish of Lal Kunwar.

Abundance of relatives and weakness of administration

Lal Kunwar used his influence to get high mansabs and jagirs for his family and close people. Kinship started getting preference over qualification in administrative posts. Due to this, dissatisfaction spread in the Mughal court and the old nobles and generals started losing confidence in the emperor. The seriousness of governance started waning and power became weaker.

cruel decisions and crazy actions

In history, Jahandar Shah is remembered not only as a debaucher but also as a cruel ruler. It is mentioned in many accounts that he took tough decisions considering his own sons as a threat to his power. Apart from this, his behavior towards the common people is also said to be merciless.

The naked court and the image of the ‘lewd’

Jahandar Shah is most discussed about his strange activities. It is said that sometimes he used to reach the court without clothes, and sometimes he used to attend meetings wearing women’s clothes. These actions deeply hurt the dignity of the Mughal Sultanate. This was the reason why contemporary historians and courtiers called him a ‘licentious’ and incompetent ruler.

Only nine months of reign and a painful end

Jahandar Shah’s rule was very short-lived. In just nine months, taking advantage of his weak policies and court discontent, his nephew Farrukhsiyar rebelled against him. After the decisive defeat on 6 January 1713, Jahandar was forced to flee with Shah Lal Kunwar, but was soon captured. Jahandar Shah’s end after being captured was very painful. He was brutally killed in jail itself.

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If anything is called the most precious thing in Mughal history, then it is not the Taj Mahal but the famous Peacock Throne of Shahjahan that comes on top. This was a throne in which the amount of gold and gems used to make it were never seen in any other royal object. It is said that even foreign travelers were stunned to see its brightness.

Immediately after assuming the throne, Shahjahan decided to build a throne that would suit his grandeur. It started under the leadership of Ustad Saad-ul-Gilani. Gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and priceless pearls imported from all over the world adorned this throne. After about seven years of hard work, Shahjahan sat on it for the first time in 1635.

unique structure in the world

French traveler Trevernier had the opportunity to see Shahjahan’s throne up close. According to him, there were two peacocks mounted on the throne whose feathers were shining with colorful gems. In the middle was a beautiful form of Kalpavriksha, which was decorated with different precious stones. The golden pillars supporting the entire throne and the hanging pearl strings made it even more amazing. Many foreign travelers of that time called it the king of treasures.

How much did it cost?

In the year 1635, the price of the Peacock Throne was estimated at Rs 10 crore 70 lakh and as of today, its value is more than Rs 1.35 lakh crore. Till date no royal throne in the world has been able to match it. It is believed that the famous Kohinoor diamond was also once a part of it. According to the ADA report, the cost of building Taj Mahal at that time was Rs 3 crore 20 lakh.

Nadir Shah’s plunder and departure from India

In 1739, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, took this throne with him after conquering Delhi. Along with him, Kohinoor and many other precious gems also reached Iran. This incident is counted among the biggest loot of Mughal wealth.

The disappearance of the throne—an unsolved mystery

After the assassination of Nadir Shah, anarchy spread in Iran. In this turmoil the Peacock Throne suddenly disappeared. Historians believe that it was broken into pieces and its gems were sold separately. Some parts later appeared in the Iranian Sun Throne, but the original throne has never been found.

Kohinoor’s long journey

After separation from the throne, the Kohinoor diamond passed through many hands and reached Punjab and was taken to Britain after the British occupation in 1849. Today it is part of the British Crown Jewels. In later times, Mughal rulers tried to make a copy of this throne, but it could never attain the grandeur of the original. That replica was also lost to history in the Revolt of 1857.

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The customs and social traditions of the Mughal era were often shocking, but the Mughal emperor Jahangir took a step in 1611, which gave a new identity to the women of that era. It is recorded in the historical document named ‘Majlis-e-Jahangiri’ that Jahangir had made a big and bold announcement related to divorce on 20 June 1611. He had said that if a Muslim man divorces his wife without any valid reason then it would be considered illegal.

This order of Jahangir was approved by the Qazi and it was implemented as law. In this way, for the first time, women got the right to get justice in divorce cases. Before Jahangir’s decision, the words of men were considered law in the society. Divorcing was a personal decision in which women’s opinion did not matter, but this new law changed the situation. Women now got the opportunity to express their views and raise their voice against injustice. BBC report states that after this decision, women not only started understanding the process of divorce, but also openly demanded divorce many times.

Case of 1628: Demand for coins in exchange of divorce

A Muslim man asked for 60 Mahmoodi coins from his wife to grant her divorce. After finding the coins, she divorced him, but the reason was not recorded in the document. This case shows that male supremacy was still deeply present in society, but the law gave women a way to fight.

Fath Banu’s case divorce from drunkard husband

In another example, a woman named Fath Banu complained to the Qazi against her husband Chisht Mohammad. She said that her husband is an alcoholic and has lost his rights as a husband. The Qazi accepted what he said and approved the divorce. This was one of the first examples of that era when women’s views were given importance.

Case of 1612: Dispute between Mohammad Jiyu and wife

On 5 February 1612, a man named Mohammad Jiyu applied for separation from his wife. Qazi fixed the condition of divorce that it would be mandatory to give one copper coin, two kurtis and two sarees to the wife daily. Later, when the husband did not fulfill these promises, the wife told the Qazi that while signing, she had said that if I could not pay this compensation, the marriage would be considered over. The Qazi heard the woman’s side and declared the divorce valid.

Beginning of new thinking in society
This order of Jahangir not only changed the legal framework but also shook the social mentality. Now women could go to the Qazi and express their views. Their complaints began to be heard and men’s judgment began to be questioned. Historians believe that this decision was the first legal step towards women’s rights in the Indian subcontinent.

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Drunken Mughal King: There has been a Mughal emperor in history who is not only known for his contribution in architecture and administration but is also famous for his severe addiction to alcohol and opium. This person, known as the drunkard king, is none other than Jahangir. Jahangir’s drug dependence greatly affected both his personal life and his rule. Let us know complete information about this Mughal history.

How did this addiction start?

Jahangir’s addiction started from a very young age. At the age of 15, he was given wine mixed with rose water to treat cough. This medicinal use of alcohol gradually turned into his habit. Later, during a battle against Afghan insurgents, someone advised him to drink alcohol to relieve fatigue. After this, his dependence on alcohol increased further and his addiction continued for years.

alcohol and opium addiction

Jahangir’s deep love for alcohol has also been mentioned in his autobiography Tuzuk-e-Jahangiri. It is said that Jahangir used to drink about 20 cups of liquor a day. 14 during the day and 6 at night. Not only this but he also ordered liquor from Iran and Central Asia to fulfill his hobby. Not only alcohol but Jahangir also consumed opium.

Impact on health and governance

Jahangir’s addiction had a deep impact on his health. At one time he became so weak that he could not even drink a glass of alcohol. Jahangir’s doctor had warned that if he did not stop drinking alcohol, he would not be able to survive even for 6 months. After this Jahangir started consuming opium and other dry drugs. With time his ability to rule weakened and after this his wife Noor Jahan took over the reins of administration. Not only Jahangir but his brothers Murad and Daniyal also struggled with alcohol addiction. This addiction became the reason for his death. His love for alcohol and opium greatly influenced not only his personal life but also the Mughal court.

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Whenever the name of Zaheeruddin Mohammad Babar is taken in Mughal history, the picture of the battle of Panipat and the establishment of the Mughal Empire emerges in the minds of most people, but Babar was not just a conqueror, he was also a poet, writer, artist and sensitive thinker.

By defeating Ibrahim Lodi in the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, he laid the foundation of a new sultanate in India, but his autobiography Baburnama proves that within him was a man who honestly accepted his failures, emotions and life struggles.

Love and separation in the life of Babar

Babar’s emotional aspects are also reflected in his autobiography. He married his cousin sister Ayesha, but this marriage was unsatisfactory. There is an incident in his autobiography, in which he wrote that there was a boy named Babri in the Urdu market. My mind got distracted towards him and I lost myself. He writes that if he had come forward, I would not have been able to make eye contact out of shame, nor could I have complained if he had not come.

Man and ruler reflected in Baburnama autobiography

In Babur’s autobiography Tuzuk-e-Babri (or Baburnama), he has not only described his rule and wars, but has also depicted his inner loneliness and struggles. He has mentioned in Baburnama that the days I stayed in Tashkent were spent in great sorrow and poverty. The country was gone, there was no hope left and the servants who were with me had also left me due to poverty. A couplet of Babar shows his mental state. ‘Neither do I have friends now, nor do I have country and wealth. I don’t have a moment’s peace, it was my decision to come here, but now it is not possible to go back.

Attitudes towards India and Taimur’s legacy

According to historian Professor Nishant Manjar, Babur’s inclination towards India was not just an ambition, but an economic and political necessity. There were limited sources of revenue in Kabul and there was a dire need of money for governance. That’s why Babar attacked the western part of India several times, but there was also an emotional element behind his coming to India. It is said that an old woman told Babur the stories of Taimur’s conquest of India, due to which the dream of reviving the Timurid Empire blossomed in his mind.

Babar, lover of education, literature and art

Babar was born in Andijan, the capital of Fargana. His ancestors like Genghis Khan and Taimur Lang were not educated, but Babur considered education and learning as the basis of governance. He started education at the age of four years and four days as per Islamic tradition. His literary contribution was so influential that historian Stephen Dale wrote in his book “Garden of Paradise” that Babar’s writing style is as modern and lively as that of today’s era. Many experts have called his prose style the lifeblood of Urdu prose even before Ghalib.

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The Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb had more than ten children, but the most dear and intelligent of them were pockets. Due to her intelligence and literary interests, pockets had special identity in their time. She was not only a princess, but also a poet and cultural personality.

Pockets were counted among the best female singers of their time. She often participated in literary and cultural programs, where she was mesmerized through her poems and songs. His poems had a glimpse of various aspects of society, culture and life. Seeing this creative approach, many people considered him a great female artist of his time.

However, his father Aurangzeb did not like that his daughter publicly read poetry and showed her talent in the people’s gathering. Aurangzeb had a tough and conservative nature and considered his daughter’s freedom and literary interests inappropriate.

Pocket was famous for those Nisa’s love story

Apart from this, the love story of Pocket Un Nisa was also very famous. It is said that she had affection for Maharaja Chhatrasal. When Aurangzeb came to know about this love affair, he was very angry and sentenced his daughter to 20 years. For this period, pockets were imprisoned in the Salimgarh Fort in Delhi.

Apart from literature and art, the pocket invented a female dress named Angya Kurti. This dress was worn by women in Turkistan and still remains its historical and cultural identity.

Pockets remain unmarried throughout their life

Those pockets remained unmarried throughout their life and they never married. His life was dedicated to knowledge, art and freedom. Even today historians and literature lovers remember their talent and courage.

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Aurangzeb is called the most controversial king in Indian history. Many stories and allegations related to the name of this Mughal emperor, who ruled from 1658 to 1707, remain in the discussion even today. Especially the arguments of Hindus continue to debate about their attitude, breaking temples and its religious policies, but among all of them surprise the fact that the emperor who has often been called as staunch Muslim and anti -Hindu, had two wives of Hindus. This fact brings out a completely different aspect of his personality.

Udaipuri Mahal was the most talked about wife of Aurangzeb. He gave birth to Kambakhsh in 1667. Aurangzeb mentioned the Udaipuri palace in many of his letters. These letters are called Alamgiri. Udaipuri Mahal once expressed his desire to be Sati. Aurangzeb wrote about this in a letter to his son. Aurangzeb wrote in the end of the letter that Kambaksh your mother is with me in my illness. He is ready to go to another world with me. May God give you peace. This shows that he loved Udaipuri Mahal deeply. Historians have different opinions about the identity of Udaipuri palace. Some call him Rajputani. Some consider her to be Georgian Christian maid, but Aurangzeb’s letters prove that she was not just a maid but his wife.

Nawab Bai Aurangzeb’s second Hindu wife
Aurangzeb’s second Hindu wife was Nawab Bai. There is not much historical information available about him, but it is true that she also used to have a deep connection with Aurangzeb. Some historians refuse to consider Udaipuri Mahal as their wife. Jadunath Sarkar called her a maid in his book History of Aurangzeb. Major Todd and Grand Duff called him Rajputi. Passenger Manuchi described her as Georgian Dasi, but the letters written by Aurangzeb confirm their wife.

Question on Aurangzeb’s image
Aurangzeb is usually called the anti -Hindu ruler, but the having Udaipuri Mahal and Nawab Bai challenges this image. This shows that Aurangzeb used to give importance to relationships in personal life and was in deep love with his wives.

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There are many information about Mughal history. However, stories about Auranzeb are also famous in all this. A story is related to the last stop of his age. It is a matter of 1680, when Aurangzeb reached South India with Lashkar of his entire empire. According to the Mughal tradition, the capital used to walk with the emperor, so his convoy used to go on a moving city. According to historian Audri Tushke, this journey was a lively performance of the strength of the Mughal Empire, but this journey removed him from Delhi forever. They never returned to the Red Fort again and the center of power became limited to South India. In South India, Aurangzeb led many surroundings and wars. His soldier Bhimsen Saxena wrote in his autobiography date-e-Dilkusha that the longing to capture Aurangzeb’s forts was unlimited, but these persistent wars weakened his power.

Aurangzeb’s personal life was filled with deep sorrows till old age. His daughters, son-in-law and grandchildren passed through one by one. The death of Jeb-un-Nisan (1702), son Akbar (1704), daughter-in-law Jahanjeb Bano (1705) and daughter Meher-un-Nisan (1706) broke them alone. According to the historian Jadunath government, till the end he remained surrounded by burning and sycophants. His sons Muazzam, Azam and Kambakhsh were not able to handle the throne. Disappointed with all this, Aurangzeb wrote in a letter that having a daughter is better than a unworthy son. Apart from this, he finally wrote to his sons, “How will you show your rivals and God in this world?”

Famine and epidemic in the south
From 1702 to 1704, South India was struggling with severe famine and epidemic. Passenger Nikolav Manuchi wrote that about 20 lakh people were killed in two years. People started selling their children at minor prices, but did not even get buyers. The villages became deserted and the atmosphere became frightening due to the odor of the corpses.

Aurangzeb’s death and legacy
Aurangzeb died in South India in 1707. They knew that the empire was shattered and their sons are not able to handle it. According to historian Moonis Farooqui, his harsh discipline and control over sons became his weakness. His life was spent in war and victories, but in the end his part came to loneliness, sorrow and a staggering empire.

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The Haram of the Mughal Empire has always been a mysterious and attractive theme for historians and writers. Haram was started by Babur. Akbar gave it a grand appearance. During Akbar’s era, there were more than 5,000 women in Haram, including queens, mistresses, maids and women workers. In Arabic, harem means holy place. It was a complex where only the emperor was allowed to enter.

Historian Prannath Chopra writes in his book some aspects of social life during the mughal age that women of different religions and cultures live in Haram. Different parts were made for queens, mistresses and maids. The emperor had different rooms for special favorite women and disliked women. The responsibilities of women included grooming gardens, overseeing curtains and fountains, keeping shama burning etc. There was a strict arrangement of curtains. Many maids used to spend their whole life in harem, but could not even see the king properly.

Security and arrangement
The entry of men in Haram was forbidden, so women also used to do security work. For this, women with strong stature outside India were called, who neither came to the local language nor were interested in meeting anyone.

Salary and eye
A lot of money was required for the arrangement of Mughal harem. A woman posted in a big post used to get a monthly salary of Rs 1600, while at that time 1 Tola gold used to come for only 10 rupees. The woman soldier of Haram used to get so much salary that she could buy gold every month. Many women used to get more than their salary (jewelry, Ashrafis, precious items).

Conditions and rights of entry into harem
There were strict rules to be a part of Haram. Honesty and tension were very important. Haram’s woman could not go out nor could anyone come inside. Women had so much right that they could stop any man at the door except the emperor. The secret royal decree also used to stop at the door and the maids used to do the work of sending him to the queens or the emperor.

Development and collapse of harem in Mughal period
Haram was present from Babur to Bahadur Shah Zafar. From the time of Akbar, this system came in a systematic form. Haram was at its peak during Jahangir. In the era of Aurangzeb, along with the collapse of the Mughal Empire, the collapse of Haram also started and it gradually became the base of the color. The main royal harem was located in Agra, Delhi, Fatehpur Sikri and Lahore. Apart from this, harem was also made in other cities.

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