Nur Jahan — Astonishing Reign of An Astonishing Empress

The life and stories of the Mughal empresses and princesses are just confined to the romantic tales. They are overshadowed by the patriarchs of the Islamic dynasties and their rulers.

One such empress is Noor Jaha or as she is mentioned in historic documents, The Padshah Begum.

I recently read the book Empress, and I really appreciate the efforts put by the author Ruby Lal for bringing this astonishing tale of the first and only Mughal Empress.

The book is compact with 16 chapters and chronologically covers the stories of Nur Jahan from her birth to her being an Empress and to her demise.

The language is simple & reader-friendly.

The work is based majorly on Jahangirnama, Akbarnama, and the work of other historians. The author has tried hard to give as many details of Nur’s life as possible, through these memories. But maybe somewhere in the male-dominated kingdom, the tremendous work of a woman faded somewhere.

I wonder NOOR, who ruled the Mughal Dynasty has no personal journal or memoir or a dedicated biography.

However, the book is a nice read. Do read it.

Facts About Noor Jahan and Her Achievements as Padshah Begum (The Emperor Queen)

1. Noor Jahan married Jahangir at the age of 36.
2. She used to go hunting with Jahangir and also killed tigers with her spear.
3. When Jahangir was captured by Mahabat Khan (Mughal General), Noor fought him with all her army and freed her husband from Mahabhat’s prison.
4. Noor Jahan enacted as Padshah Begum (the emperor queen) and ruled the Mughal Dynasty together with Jahangir and issued many orders with her own seal.
5. She also launches coins of her own name. She was the only Mughal women on whose name coins were issued.
6. Noor Jahan built the tomb of her father. Today it is called the Tomb of Itmad-Ud-Daula and holds a prominent place in India tourism. This tomb later becomes the inspiration for the Taj Mahal. Though, today Itmad-Ud-Daula tomb is called Baby Taj but, historically Taj Mahal is the baby of this mausoleum.
7. Noor Jahan was Born in Kandhar. Today that area comes under southern Afganistan.

Reading and knowing about this Mughal Empress was quite enthralling. I am sure you will also love reading about this astonishing empress who ruled India and carved her name for eternity.