The Mughal Empire’s Hidden Rulers: 12 Fierce Queens You Should Know About
The Mughal Empire was shaped not just by emperors but also by the courage, intellect, and ambition of its royal women. Queens and princesses like Nur Jahan and Jahanara Begum played pivotal roles in governance, diplomacy, culture, and public life. Operating within a male-dominated court, they exercised power through strategic marriages, regency roles, patronage of the arts, and influence over imperial policy. These women challenged gender norms, redefined leadership, and left lasting legacies in architecture, literature, and political reform. Their impact continues to echo through history, revealing a hidden yet vital dimension of power in medieval India.
Nur Jahan- Poet, Huntress and Architect
Wife of Emperor Jahangir, Nur Jahan shared her reign with him. She wrote imperial decrees, struck coins, commanded troops, and made her mark on Mughal politics and culture. An accomplished huntress, poet, and architect, her work on the design for her parents' tomb helped create the Taj Mahal. Referred to as Padshah Begum—Lady Emperor—she is still an icon of power and change.
Jahanara Begum- Sufi patron, Intellectual
Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara was a war of succession politics player. As Padshah Begum, she shaped trade, diplomacy, and architecture, and maintained honor even in loss of power under Aurangzeb. She was a Sufi patron and courageous thinker, the quintessential embodiment of intellectuality, and freedom.
Mariam-uz-Zamani- Negotiated In Court politics
Wife of Akbar and mother to Jahangir, this Rajput queen ruled both the Hindu and Muslim cultures. She ran an armada of trading vessels, signed royal warrants, and negotiated in court politics—a first for royal women of her era.
Mumtaz Mahal- Intelligent, Political Counselor
Outside Shah Jahan's beloved, Mumtaz, was a political counselor and frequent advisor on combat campaigns. Intelligent, empathetic, and powerful at court decisions, her resilience lived beyond her death in the face of the Taj Mahal.
Zeb-un-Nisa- Poetry, Academia And Sufi Doctrines
Aurangzeb's daughter, Zeb-un-Nisa, broke conventions in poetry, academia, and Sufi doctrines. Imprisoned for her autonomy, her poems as "Makhfi" remain today with guts, determination, and spiritual richness.
Zeenat Mahal- Resisted British Rule
The last Mughal empress, Zeenat Mahal fought hard during the later years of the empire. She maneuvered within palace politics, fought her son's claim to the throne, and played a key role during the uprising in 1857. Her resistance against British rule sent her into the books of history.
Roshanara Begum- Politically Ambitious And Shrewd
Politically ambitious and shrewd, Roshanara assisted Aurangzeb in his ascension to power, even betraying her brother Dara Shikoh. For her loyalty, she was granted the title of Padshah Begum and exercised immense powers in the court and reformed the Mughal succession politics.
Hamida Banu Begum- Strength And Wisdom
Mother of Akbar and Humayun's wife, she endured exile and suffering to establish her son upon the throne. Known for her strength and wisdom, she offered stability and guidance in the initial years of Akbar's reign.
Maham Anga- Ambition and Domination
Akbar's influential foster mother and wet nurse, Maham Anga, dominated from behind during his early years. She replaced competitors and dictated major court decisions as regent. Her ambition and domination made her a political force to be reckoned with.
Gulbadan Begum- Historian
Babur's daughter and Humayun-Nama's author, she was an uncommon woman historian. Her accounts provide profound insight into early Mughal empire, imperial life, and succession contests—so valuable is her voice to Mughal history.
Ruqaiya Sultan Begum- Influenced Royal Policy
Akbar's initial wife and paramount consort throughout his reign, Ruqaiya was extremely powerful. Although childless, she raised Shah Jahan and influenced royal policy, gaining permanent respect for her power and presence.
Salima Sultan Begum- Scholar, Poet And Counselor
Wife of Akbar and afterwards a high-ranking personality in Jahangir's court, Salima was a scholarly woman, poet, and counselor. For her elegance, statesmanship, and virtue, she is believed to have been a great column of imperial harmony and the wisest counselor of imperial politics.
