Nur Jahan was born in 1577 in Kandahar, present-day Afghanistan, into a family of Persian nobility. Her family was taken captive by Emperor Akbar, and she was subsequently brought to the Mughal court as a young girl. Her first marriage was to a Persian officer, Ali Quli Istajlu.

After her first husband’s death, Mehr-un-Nissa was remarried to Emperor Jahangir in 1611. Following their marriage, she received the title Nur Jahan, meaning “Light of the World.” She quickly became Jahangir’s favorite wife, and he trusted her judgment and valued her advice.

Nur Jahan played a significant role in the administration of the Mughal Empire. She was astute in politics and had a strong influence on Jahangir’s decisions. She issued orders, coins bore her name, and she even accompanied the emperor on military campaigns. Her power and influence were unparalleled for a woman in the Mughal court.

Nur Jahan was also known for her patronage of the arts. She commissioned several architectural marvels, including the famous Nur Jahan’s Tomb in Lahore, Pakistan. She was a lover of poetry, art, and culture, and her court became a hub of literary and artistic activities.

After Jahangir’s death in 1627, Nur Jahan’s power declined, especially with the ascension of her son-in-law, Shah Jahan, as the emperor. She lived the rest of her life in relative obscurity. Nur Jahan died in 1645 in Lahore, Pakistan.

Nur Jahan’s legacy lies in her unprecedented political power as a woman in the Mughal Empire. She is remembered as a remarkable and influential figure in Indian history, showcasing the potential for women to wield significant political power even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.