141. Nur Jahan: The Most Powerful Mughal Woman

This podcast episode discusses Nur Jahan, the powerful Mughal Empress of the 17th century. The hosts detail her rise to power, her influence on Jahangir's court (including a humorous anecdote about a diplomatic meeting focused on beer), and her significant contributions to Mughal architecture, exemplified by the tomb she built for her father. The episode also covers a dramatic coup attempt against Jahangir and Nur Jahan's crucial role in thwarting it. Finally, it describes Nur Jahan's eventual decline in power after Jahangir's death and the contrasting fates of her own tomb and that of her husband. A specific example is Nur Jahan's image as a skilled huntress, defying typical portrayals of Mughal women.