Zaibunnisa Begum: the enigma — Part II on July 20, 2019In front of the Kabuli darwaza towards north on the main road, lies Takiya Bhalo Shah Faqeer. After that there is mausoleum of Zaib-un-Nisa Begum and a mosque made of Sung-e-Surkh. There are two small chambers here. Zaib-un-Nisa’s headstone carries this engraving in Khat-e- Sulus. Another very compelling and reliable reference in this regard is […]
Zaibunnisa Begum: the enigma — Part I on July 18, 2019Zaibunnisa (Ornament of womankind), the first child of Aurangzeb Alamgir was born on Shaawal 20, 1048 AH in Deccan when the Mughal Empire was at its zenith. Her mother Dilras Bano daughter of Badee Uzaman, the chief consort of Aurangzeb, was a princess of the House of Safavid, the then ruling Iranian dynasty. Badee Uzaman […]
The legend of Ali Mardan Khan — Part II on May 26, 2019The road on the right of Singhpura Chowk is called Whitman Road. In the start of this road, we find the bungalow of Mian Mairaj Deen. A short distance away, there is the main drain. On the left of this drain there is a huge pond of filthy water. If this pond is drained and […]
The legend of Ali Mardan Khan — Part I on May 25, 2019“Whoever desires constant success must change his conduct with time,” diplomat and politician Niccolo Machiavelli said. Throughout the annals of history, we find people who, owing to circumstances, have changed their stance and had even switched allegiances. Some may call it expediency and some may call it betrayal while still others may term this as […]
Nadira Banu Begum’s glory and grief — Part II on May 18, 2019Nadira Banu Begum spent many a blissful years with her husband but this bliss was not long lasting. The wars of succession started. Dara Shikoh was running from pillar to post to gather enough support to gain control of the empire. She was by his side during all his wanderings. She could almost foresee the […]
Nadira Banu Begum’s glory and grief — Part I on May 16, 2019Nadira Banu Begum was a Mughal princess. Her life and death is a tale of triumph and glory; heartbreak and misery; courage and loyalty. She was an embodiment of the ideal wife and consort. Nadira Banu Begum belonged to the Shah Jahan era. The historians, however, are divided in their opinion regarding her relationship with […]
Noor Jahan — the legendary Mughal empress — Part II on May 10, 2019Her seal read, “With the grace of Allah, became in this world, Emperor Jahangir’s consort and confidant.” Her name was not read in the khutba (religious sermon) and aside from religious edicts and rulings; she was running all the affairs of the empire. The emperor kept her with him at all times. When he held […]