2019-05-31 Fri

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.

She issued coins in her name by the authority of Emperor Jahangir from 1623 to 1627 A.D. The legends in the form of ‘Verses and poems’ are inscribed on the ornamental face of the coins. The obverse engrave Persian legend ‘BA HUKAM SHAHE JAHANGIR YAFT SAD ZEWAR’ and reverse bears legend ‘BA NAAME NUR JAHAN BADSHAH BEGUM ZAR’.

Image Source: Classical Numismatic Gallery