2021-05-31 Mon

One of the most influential women of the Mughal Empire, Nur Jahan was born on 31st May 1577. As a favorite wife of the powerful Mughal emperor Jahangir, she found herself uniquely positioned to brilliantly utilize her skills in administration, politics, economics, and culture.

Nur Jahan was born as Mihr-un-nissa in Kandahar to Mirza Ghias Beg and his wife Asmat Begum. After the death of his father, Ghias Beg along with his family came to India and joined Emperor Akbar's service. Nur Jahan was married to Persian soldier Sher Afgan during Akbar's reign.

Jahangir was the second husband of Nur Jahan. The love story between Nur Jahan and Jahangir led to the expansion of the Mughal Empire, religious freedoms, and increased rights for women. Emperor Jahangir and Nur Jahan were both patrons of arts and different artistic expressions. They built many gardens, Mosques, Serais, and tombs.

Jahangir was the first Mughal Emperor in India who minted coins with his wife Nurjahan’s name inscribed on them. The verses are: "Ba Hukm Shah Jahangir yaft sad zewer, Banam Nur Jahan Badshah Begum zar. By the order of Jahangir, gold attained a hundred times its beauty when the name of Nur Jahan, the First Lady of the court, was impressed upon it.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery