Q. How did Nurjahan Influence the politics of her time? Explain. [MPPSC- 2019]
Ans:
Nur Jahan was wife of the Mughal emperor Jahangir and is considered by historians to have been the real power behind the throne for much of her husband’s reign. She was daughter of Mirza Ghiyas Beg who belonged to a noble family of Tehran.
She was an educated, beautiful, intelligent and cultured lady and was fond of poetry, music and painting. She also had interest in economics. Apart from these, she is well known for the Influence the politics of her time. ©crackingcivilservices.com
Nurjahan Influence on the politics of her time:
- She was an influential woman in politics of her time. Nur Jahan increased her influence right from the time of her marriage with the Emperor. In 1613 A.D. she was elevated to the rank of Padshah Begum or the first lady of the realm. Her relatives were also promoted to higher ranks.
- Jahangir began to come under her influence. She started appearing with the Emperor in Jharokha darshan; her name was engraved on some of the coins and the Royal edicts were also issued in her name. Later on, the orders of the Emperor were signed by her also.
- Slowly Jahangir entrusted the reins of the government to her. She carried on the government very competently and ably.
- She was praised for her systematic administration, her own frugal living. She rendered great economy in the expenditure of the Royal palace by her wise management.
- She was a brave and couragious woman and used to go for hunting with Jahangir.
- She had shown courage while handling the revolt of Mahabat Khan. In 1626, the Emperor Jahangir was captured by rebels while on his way to Kashmir. The rebel leader Mahabat Khan had hoped to stage a coup against Jahangir.
- Nur Jahan surrendered to Mahabat Khan and was placed in captivity with her husband. Mahabat Khan failed to recognise the creativity and intellect of Nur Jahan as she soon was able to organize an escape and raise an army right under his very nose.
- It is said that almost all the important decision concerning the state was not taken without her consent. She even gave audiences at her palace and the ministers consulted with her on most matters.
- Nur Jahan formed a group of her family members known as ‘JUNTA’ . This group included Nur Jahan, her father Mirza Gayas Beigh, her brother Asaf Khan and prince Khurram. The Junta managed Jahangir, all the powers and administration was controlled by this group. ©crackingcivilservices.com
However, Her influence in political spheres was also quite adverse because she began to misuse her powers.
- In order to increase and maintain her influence and position, she married her daughter Ladli Begum (from her previous marriage with Sher Afghan) with Jahangir’s son, Shahryar. She tried to make Shahryar the successor of Jahangir instead of Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan).
- Nur jhan was responsible to some extent for the moral degeneration of Jahangir. He lost interest in administration. He spent most of his time drinking wine.
- However, most historians don’t agreed with this view that Jahangir was completely under Nur Jahan’s influence. Whenever he wanted, he used his authority. e.g. He dismissed the brother-in-law of Nur Jahan, Hakim Beg from the governorship of Mathura.
- The interference of Nur Jahan in the politics of the state resulted in two major rebellions (Revolt of Mahabat Khan and of Prince Khurram) during the last years of the reign of Jahangir which weakened the empire and harmed its prestige. ©crackingcivilservices.com
Later, when Shahjahan became Mughal Emperor in 1628, Nurjahan was forced into confinement. She died in 1645.
