Nur Jahan

Nur Jahan, born Mehr-un-Nissa (Persian: نورجهان, Sun Among Women; 1577 – 18 December 1645) was the twentieth wife and chief consort of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. More decisive and proactive than her husband, Nur Jahan is considered by certain historians to have been the real power behind the throne for more than a decade. Wielding a level of power and influence unprecedented for a Mughal empress, she was granted honours and privileges never enjoyed by any of her predecessors or successors; She was radical enough to stretch the limits of a Mughal queen's life-through trading, issuing farmans, having coinage struck in her name, advising emperor on important matters, rescuing the emperor from the clutches of a rebel, overseeing promotions and demotions at court, attending the court and settle civil disputes, designing tombs and gardens, hunting a killer tiger near Mathura, discussing the expansion of the empire and influencing religious policy. Her pre-eminence was in part made possible by her husband Jahangir's addiction to hunting, alcohol and opium and his frequent ill-health. Since 1615, she sat alongside Emperor Jahangir while discussing and settling state politics and military affairs at court (both Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-aam) and even royal window (Jharokha Darshan), although she hidden behind a curtain, if she did not agree with something, she would place her hand on his back, out of sight, and even on several occasions spoke from behind her curtained sitting place. Nur Jahan actively participated in the politics of her time and quite independent and powerful as is evident from a much number of hukms (royal orders) issued by her. She also had her own court where she held audiences with generals, politicians and officials in her chambers, mixing with men and discussing state affairs. Nur Jahan, along with his father and brother, and in alliance with Khurram, formed a group or "janta" that managed Jahangir's governance at a level without whose support no one could approach the emperor.