Nur Jahan

Nur Jahan, a Mughal empress. Popularly known for her great romance with the 17th century emperor Jahangir. But Nur Jahan defied norms by openly ruling, alongside her husband, advising him on important matters and even issuing orders and coins.

Nur Jahan was a Shia married to a Sunni Muslim who was also half Hindu Rajput. Nur Jahan, then named Mihrunnisa, was born to Persian parents fleeing poverty under the rule of Shah Ismail II in Safavid Iran. She came from an important Persian family background, deeply invested in poetry, arts, calligraphy. To date, Nur Jahan is the only woman ruler among the great Mughals of India.

Nur Jahan acquired all the rights of sovereignty and government normally due the emperor, becoming virtually in charge of the whole empire until the emperor died in 1627Her life history shows her dynamism and boldness. She is one of the Great Mughals of India, an inspiring female sovereign. “In act after act — hunting, advising, issuing imperial orders and coins, designing buildings — she ensured that her name was etched indelibly in public memory and history.” Lal