Nur Jahan
Mughal empress
Died when: 68 years 203 days (822 months)Star Sign: Gemini
Nur Jahan, born Mehr-un-Nissa persian: ??????? (lit. 'Sun Among Women'; c. 1577 – 18 December 1645) was the wife and chief consort of the Mughal emperor Jahangir from 1620 until his death in 1627.
Nur Jahan was born Mehr-un-Nissa, as the daughter of a Mirza Ghiyas Beg, who served under Jahangir's father, Emperor Akbar.
Nur Jahan was the most powerful empress in the Mughal Empire. More decisive and proactive than her husband, she is considered by historians to have been the real power behind the throne for more than a decade.
Nur Jahan was granted certain honours and privileges which were never enjoyed by any Mughal empress before or after like having coinage struck in her name.
Jahangir's lack of interest made it easier for Nur Jahan to exert her influence over him and exercise power. She was granted the privilege to issue farmans (sovereign mandates).
The only other empress to command such devotion from her husband was Mumtaz Mahal, for whom the Taj Mahal was built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a mausoleum.
Mumtaz, however, took no interest in affairs of state and Nur Jahan is therefore unique in the annals of the Mughal Empire for the unlimited and sheer political influence she wielded.