By Admin 
Even today, on the walls of the old fort of the Mughals, the shadows of those kings are visible, which were once kept away from the eyes of the common people. It is believed that the harems of the Mughal emperors were not just places of luxury, but were such webs of power, politics and relationships that changed the direction of the entire empire. But which king had the largest harem among them? And how were women selected in these harems? Let us know.
most secure harem
Of all the stories prevalent in Mughal history about the harem, most people see only its luxurious aspects. But the reality was much deeper, harsher and political than this. And at the center of this entire structure was the harem of Mughal emperor Akbar, which was said to be the largest, most organized and most secure harem of the Mughal period.
Whose harem has the most women?
According to historians, there were about 5,000 women in Akbar’s harem. This number was not limited to wives or begums, but also included maids, dancers, women brought for political reasons, relatives, female employees, teachers, musicians, masseuses, cooks, seamstresses, political dancers and even female security personnel. That means the harem was a complete women’s city, in which thousands of women with different roles lived.
How were those women selected?
Women to join the harem were selected in many ways, such as marriages between royal families to strengthen kinship, thereby securing political alliances. Many women voluntarily joined the entertainment or service classes. Some women used to come as captives during wars, although during the time of Akbar, there are examples of giving them a normal life and education in such cases. Every woman got different living space, facilities and security depending on her role.
Akbar’s harem was the administrative center
Akbar’s harem was not just a place of pleasure or entertainment. It was a kind of administrative center from where many political decisions were influenced. Prominent women of the harem, such as Akbar’s favorite Begums Ruqaiya Sultan, Jodha Bai, and Salima Sultan were involved in important policy discussions. The harem also had its own strict system and laws, which were mandatory to follow.
harem security
The security of the harem was one of the biggest secrets. Security was deployed in many circles around it and in the innermost security, instead of men, women soldiers and eunuchs were appointed. This ensured that no person from the outside world could enter inside without permission. The life of the harem was completely different from the common imagination. The women living here studied music, literature, painting, administration, warfare, language and religion. Many women became so influential that even foreign policies were decided on their advice.
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