Emperor Jahangir and the Transformation of Art – 11

Emperor Jahangir had been greatly affected by Empress Nur Jahan. She was an exceptionally intelligent and attractive woman who performed as a poet, architect, and expert hunter. She even achieved a unique record by taking down a ferocious lion in the jungle. Her architectural design for her parents’ mausoleum in Agra served as an inspiration for the Taj Mahal’s design and construction. Nur Jahan was an unusual rebel in the Mughal world, which was ruled by men. Despite not coming from a royal family, she was a visionary politician who had an impact on many aspects of the empire.

Nur Jahan was a marvel of her time when it came to cosmetics and personal hygiene. One quiet afternoon, as she was grooming herself in front of a mirror while her guards were watching over the garden, a deranged young Hindu man suddenly broke into her chambers without permission and started acting strangely. Nur Jahan summoned her guards, but no one answered. Nur Jahan pulled a gun and killed the trespasser.

To send their complaints against Nur Jahan straight to Jahangir, the relatives of the killed Hindu person gathered to demand justice and pulled the chain next to the royal balcony. Nur Jahan, Jahangir’s wife, stood in the accused’s dock, while Jahangir occupied the seat of judgement. Would the Emperor punish his beloved wife severely for the murder of a young, insane person? Many were worried, some were curious, and some were confident that the Emperor would administer fair justice. The Emperor heard every detail. Nur Jahan was convicted. The Al-Qur’anic order, also known as the law of qisas (retaliation), states that if someone kills another person’s life, they must sacrifice their own.