Harem Politics in Mughal India
History of India (c.1550-1750s)
Project: Harem Politics in Mughal India
Abstract
The Harem Politics in Mughal India has shaped the paradigm of the politics of this period in more ways than can be imagined. This paper seeks to deconstruct some of the myths and realities about an oft overseen aspect of the Mughal period and look at how the lives and contributions of some exceptional women shaped what we call the Mughal state.
Introduction
This paper can find its inception in Indu Sudareasn’s intriguing book, “The Twentieth Wife” which dealt with the life of Nur Jahan’s life and her love story with Jahangir. But in order to exalt her position delved deep into the harem politics of the Mughal State. The female characters of this book were an enigmatic lot, drawing an extreme amount of influence on from emperors Akbar to Shahjahan and while well hidden behind the zenana, seemed to collectively pull the strings of the empire.
In the course of my research I have come to the conclusion that while such a characterization was bit of an exaggeration it is truly enigmatic the ways in which the women of the Mughal harem shaped the paradigm of their times. Such a study is important, as has been pointed out by MN Rajesh and Rekha Pande in their work, “Cloistered Spaces and Invisible Politics”, in order to challenge the underlying conceptual framework and bring unseen actors to the forefront.
The Mughal Harem Deconstructed
Abul Fazl has recorded the regulations of the Mughal ‘haram’ in the Ain-i-Akbari which marked its institutionalization. Courtly and domestic spaces came to be segregated for the first time in Mughal history. The drive to give an order to imperial life touched the domestic sphere as well. The royal women were more secluded but also more elevated in power and position.
The Mughal dynasts remained loyal to the ideas of the Timurid ideas of women’s power and influence and particular rights and roles of elite women- political and cultural
Project: Harem Politics in Mughal India
Abstract
The Harem Politics in Mughal India has shaped the paradigm of the politics of this period in more ways than can be imagined. This paper seeks to deconstruct some of the myths and realities about an oft overseen aspect of the Mughal period and look at how the lives and contributions of some exceptional women shaped what we call the Mughal state.
Introduction
This paper can find its inception in Indu Sudareasn’s intriguing book, “The Twentieth Wife” which dealt with the life of Nur Jahan’s life and her love story with Jahangir. But in order to exalt her position delved deep into the harem politics of the Mughal State. The female characters of this book were an enigmatic lot, drawing an extreme amount of influence on from emperors Akbar to Shahjahan and while well hidden behind the zenana, seemed to collectively pull the strings of the empire.
In the course of my research I have come to the conclusion that while such a characterization was bit of an exaggeration it is truly enigmatic the ways in which the women of the Mughal harem shaped the paradigm of their times. Such a study is important, as has been pointed out by MN Rajesh and Rekha Pande in their work, “Cloistered Spaces and Invisible Politics”, in order to challenge the underlying conceptual framework and bring unseen actors to the forefront.
The Mughal Harem Deconstructed
Abul Fazl has recorded the regulations of the Mughal ‘haram’ in the Ain-i-Akbari which marked its institutionalization. Courtly and domestic spaces came to be segregated for the first time in Mughal history. The drive to give an order to imperial life touched the domestic sphere as well. The royal women were more secluded but also more elevated in power and position.
The Mughal dynasts remained loyal to the ideas of the Timurid ideas of women’s power and influence and particular rights and roles of elite women- political and cultural
Bibliography: Balbanlilar, Lisa. "The Begims of Mystic Feat." Ifthikar, Dr. Rukshana. "Behind The Veil: An Analytical Study of Political Domination of the Mughal Women." Lal, Ruby. "Historicizing the Harem: Challenges of a Priness ' Memoir." Lal, Ruby. "Mughal Palace Women." In Servants of the Dynasty: Palace Women in World History, by Anne Walthall. MN Rajesh, Rekha Pande. "Cloistered Spaces and Invisible Politics." Journal of Indian History and Culture.