Jehan Ara Begum

Jehan Ara Begum (Jahanara) was the daughter of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, and his third, and most favorite, wife, Mumtaz Mahal.

Emperor Shahjahan’s fondness for his daughter was reflected in the multiple titles he bestowed upon her, which include "Sahibat al-Zamani" (Mistress of the Age), and "Padshah Begum" (Lady Emperor). Jahanara was known to members of the Mughal court as Begum Sahib.

While Jahanara could have no children, never having married she was considered socially mature because of her celibate status.

Having risen to the head of the harem, Jahanara played an important role in the politics of the imperial family. This is seen through the instrumental position she held in the marriage arrangements of her three brothers. In addition she was politically active during the ‘War of Succession’ that took place at the end Shah Jahan’s reign as emperor. The ‘War of Succession’ took place in 1658 when Aurangzeb, Jahanara’s brother, challenged and eventually took power from Shah Jahan. During the conflict Jahanara supported her father’s claim to the throne and cared for him during his forced imprisonment, which lasted until his death in 1666. Upon her father’s death, Jahanara emerged from Agra Fort and was given a sizable monetary gift by Aurangzeb.