Understanding the Mughal Empire from the Unusual Perspective of Jahanara Begum

This volume in a series of world history case studies celebrates the life of the Mughal princess Jahanara—a woman who challenges Western stereotypes of Muslim women. Once bestowed the honorary title “king of queens,” Jahanara commanded significant power in the Mughal court, serving as mediator, confidant, benefactor and visionary. A noted poet, a deft businesswoman, and a devoted Sufi, Jahanara combined practically with spirituality, thereby providing us with a unique window for understanding politics, economics, and religious conflicts mid-seventeenth century India. Her relationships with key family members, including Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh, and Aurangzeb, receive special attention, thereby also illuminating seventeenth century India in a non-traditional way.This book is a volume in the Understanding World History Through Biography series.Read more