Nur Jahan’s story is one of ambition, resilience, and intellect. Unlike any other Mughal empress, she wielded power in her own right, shaping policies and influencing succession.

Birth and Early Life (1577–1594)

Mehr-un-Nissa, later known as Nur Jahan, was born on 31 May 1577 in Kandahar, present-day Afghanistan. She hailed from a Persian noble family, the daughter of Mirza Ghiyas Beg and Asmat Begum. Her father, who later became a prominent Mughal courtier, suffered financial misfortunes, prompting the family to migrate to India. Along the journey, they faced hardships, including a robbery that left them with little means. However, their fortunes improved when they reached the Mughal court, where Ghiyas Beg secured a position under Emperor Akbar, rising to the esteemed rank of Itimad-ud-Daula (Pillar of the State).

Mehr-un-Nissa received an exceptional education, mastering Arabic and Persian, as well as the arts, literature, music, and dance. Her intelligence and determination were evident early on, traits that would later define her influence in the Mughal court.

Marriage to Sher Afgan Khan (1594–1607)

At the age of seventeen, Mehr-un-Nissa married Ali Quli Istajlu, later known as Sher Afgan Khan, a Persian noble who had gained favor in Emperor Akbar’s court. The couple had a daughter, Mihr-un-Nissa Begum, known as Ladli Begum. Sher Afgan was a decorated soldier, earning his title due to his valor in battle. However, in 1607, he was killed under controversial circumstances, leading to suspicions that Jahangir, then Emperor, had orchestrated the event.

Following her husband’s death, Mehr-un-Nissa and her daughter were brought to the Mughal court for protection. She was appointed as a lady-in-waiting to Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, the chief wife of Akbar. This position allowed her to establish connections within the royal household.

Marriage to Jahangir (1611–1627)

Mehr-un-Nissa’s destiny changed when she met Emperor Jahangir in 1611 at the royal Meena Bazaar. Captivated by her beauty and intelligence, Jahangir proposed marriage, and they wed that same year. She became his twentieth and final wife, receiving the title Nur Mahal (Light of the Palace), later changed to Nur Jahan (Light of the World).

Jahangir’s trust in Nur Jahan was immense, granting her unprecedented political influence. She received her own official seal and even had coins struck in her name—an honor no other Mughal empress had achieved. Jahangir’s increasing dependence on opium and alcohol further elevated her role, as she took on administrative responsibilities.

Political Influence and Administration

Nur Jahan played a crucial role in court politics, arranging marriages to consolidate power. She appointed her father as Prime Minister and her brother Asaf Khan as Grand Wazir. To secure her family’s influence, she orchestrated her daughter Ladli Begum’s marriage to Prince Shahryar, Jahangir’s son.

Her influence extended to military affairs as well. In 1626, when Jahangir was captured by the rebellious Mahabat Khan, she personally led a rescue mission. Though initially captured, she cleverly orchestrated their escape, showcasing her strategic prowess.

Rivalry with Shah Jahan and Decline in Power

Nur Jahan’s political maneuvering brought her into conflict with Jahangir’s third son, Prince Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan. He resented her influence and sought to consolidate his own power. Tensions escalated when he refused her orders to lead a campaign against the Persians in Kandahar.

Upon Jahangir’s death in 1627, a war of succession ensued. Nur Jahan supported her son-in-law, Shahryar, but was ultimately defeated by her brother Asaf Khan, who aligned with Shah Jahan. Shahryar was executed, and Shah Jahan ascended to the throne in 1628. As a result, Nur Jahan was placed under house arrest.

Later Years and Death (1628–1645)

Stripped of political power, Nur Jahan lived in Lahore with her daughter and granddaughter, leading a quiet life. She spent her time overseeing architectural projects, including her father’s mausoleum, Itimad-ud-Daulah’s tomb, which later influenced the design of the Taj Mahal.

Nur Jahan passed away on 18 December 1645 at the age of 68. She was buried in a tomb of her own design in Shahdara Bagh, Lahore. Her epitaph poignantly reflects her final years: “On the grave of this poor stranger, let there be neither lamp nor rose.”

Though her later years were marked by political downfall, Nur Jahan’s contributions to Mughal culture and governance cemented her place in history as a formidable and visionary ruler.

Patronage of Arts and Architecture

Nur Jahan was a significant patron of the arts, commissioning elaborate sarais (rest houses), gardens, and mosques. The Itimad-ud-Daulah tomb in Agra, an early example of pietra dura in Mughal architecture, is attributed to her influence. She also contributed to textile innovations, introducing new fabric designs such as kinari (silver-threaded lace) and nurmahali attire.

Legacy and Cultural Depictions

Nur Jahan remains one of the most influential women in Mughal history. Her intelligence, political acumen, and patronage left an enduring legacy. She has been the subject of numerous literary works, including Indu Sundaresan’s The Twentieth Wife and Alex Rutherford’s The Tainted Throne.

Her life has also inspired films and television adaptations, including Pukar (1939) and Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story (2005). Her complex role in history—as an empress, strategist, and patron of the arts—continues to captivate historians and audiences alike.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Nur Jahan’s original name?

Mehr-un-Nissa

How did Nur Jahan rise to power?

She gained influence after marrying Emperor Jahangir in 1611, leveraging his trust and his declining health to wield significant political power.

What unprecedented privilege did Nur Jahan receive as Mughal Empress?

She had coins minted in her name, a privilege no other Mughal empress enjoyed.

Why was Nur Jahan considered the real power behind the throne?

Jahangir’s addiction to alcohol and opium allowed her to take control of administrative and political affairs, even issuing imperial orders.

Who was Nur Jahan’s first husband, and what happened to him?

Ali Quli Istajlu (Sher Afgan Khan); he was killed in 1607 under suspicious circumstances, leading to rumors that Jahangir orchestrated his death.

How did Nur Jahan attempt to retain power after Jahangir’s death?

She backed her son-in-law, Shahryar, for the throne, but was ultimately defeated by her brother Asaf Khan, who supported Shah Jahan.

What architectural contributions is Nur Jahan credited with?

She commissioned the Tomb of I’timād-ud-Daulah in Agra, which influenced the later design of the Taj Mahal.

Where is Nur Jahan buried, and what is inscribed on her tomb?

She is buried in Shahdara Bagh, Lahore, with an epitaph stating: “On the grave of this poor stranger, let there be neither lamp nor rose.”

The Tomb of Jahangir in Lahore