The Mughal Empire stands as one of the most formidable dynasties to have ever ruled the Indian subcontinent for over three centuries.
While the Mughal kings held immense power and authority, the queens, and princesses also wielded influence in making decisions that impacted the empire.
Nur Jahan was the most influential wife and chief consort of the Mughal emperor Jahangir. Known to be more proactive and decisive than her husband, several historians believe that Nur Jahan was the real power behind the throne for more than a decade.
Nur Jahan
Mumtaz Mahal was the chief consort of the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. She was widely regarded as one of the most powerful Mughal queens who was also the inspiration behind making the Taj Mahal.
Mumtaz Mahal
Roshnara Begum was the third daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan. She was a talented poet and known for her profound intellect. After supporting brother Aurangzeb to ascend the throne, Roshanara was given the title of 'Padshah Begum' and became the 'First Lady of the Mughal Empire', elevating her status to the most influential woman in the Mughal Empire and a noteworthy figure.
Roshnara Begum
Mariam-uz-Zamani, chief consort and principal Hindu wife of Emperor Akbar was a prominent and enigmatic figure during the Mughal era. Being the queen for 43 years, she became the longest-serving Hindu empress of the Mughal Empire.
Mariam-uz-Zamani
She was Shah Jahan’s second child. During the reign of her father, she was believed to possess significant political influence and was often hailed as the most powerful woman in the empire at that time. Moreover, she was highly educated and well-versed in Persian and Arabic.
Jahanara Begum
Hamida Banu Begum, who was the mother of Emperor Akbar, had a significant influence during the initial years of Akbar's reign, after his father Humayun’s untimely demise.
Hamida Banu Begum
This information is not DNA's opinion and is obtained from several media reports.