Contents
Introduction
In 1526, when the nomadic Timurid warrior-scholar Babur rode into Hindustan, his wives, sisters, daughters, aunts and distant female relatives travelled with him. These women would help establish a dynasty and empire that would rule India for the next 200 years and become a byword for opulence and grandeur.
By the second half of the seventeenth century, the Mughal empire was one of the largest and richest in the world. The Mughal women unmarried daughters, eccentric sisters, fiery milk mothers and powerful wives often worked behind the scenes and from within the Zenana, but there were some notable exceptions among them who rode into battle with their men, built stunning monuments, engaged in diplomacy, traded with foreigners and minted coins in their own names. Others wrote biographies and patronised the arts.
In daughters of the sun, we meet remarkable characters like Khanzada begum who, at sixty-five, rode on horseback through 750 kilometres of icy passes and unforgiving terrain to parley on behalf of her nephew, Humayun, Gulbadan begum, who gave us the only document written by a woman of the Mughal royal court, a rare glimpse into the harem, as well as a chronicle of the trials and tribulations of three emperors Babur, Humayun and Akbar her father, brother and nephew, Akbar’s milk mothers or foster-mothers, Jiji Anaga and Maham Anaga, who shielded and guided the thirteen-year-old emperor until he came of age, Noor Jahan, ‘light of the world’, a widow and mother who would become Jahangir’s last and favourite wife, acquiring an imperial legacy of her own and the fabulously wealthy begum sahib (princess of princesses) Jahanara, shah Jahan’s favourite child, owner of the most lucrative port in medieval India and patron of one of its finest cities, (No Suggestions).
The very first attempt to chronicle the women who played a vital role in building the Mughal empire, daughters of the sun is an illuminating and gripping history of a little known aspect of the most magnificent dynasty the world has ever known.
When the movie Lipstick Under my burkha was released, Ratna Pathak Shah raised a very valid point in one of her interviews by saying that Indian women have no real role models to look up and aspire to be like. Even our actresses are busy playing roles that are not inspiring at all in real life. That had left me thinking, because however harsh what she said was true.Reading Daughters of the Sun was a sheer delight as the author took me back to the history and showed me how it was full of women who were intelligent, different and inspiring enough to be considered role models. We all have grown up on reading about the rich Mughal dynasty and their contributions to our country in terms of architecture and cultural heritage. But we rarely have been told about the strong women in that dynasty who contributed immensely towards the development of arts and culture, ones who led by example and stood out because of their beliefs.
As the author said in one of her interviews, I also believed that women were domesticated in the royal families. There was no reason for them not to be. They could not be different and diffident. This book changed the way I looked at them and ofcourse the way I perceived our history. With a beautiful, eye catching cover , this book promised to be a visual treat in terms of the narrative and it lives upto it till the last word.
The descriptions are vivid enough to make you visualise the scenes. This book breaks the taboo associated with the word Zenana which was considered the King’s harem. As you flip through the pages you realise, Zenana is a place where intelligence met beauty and grace. Where taste met art and culture giving birth to some of the most stellar masterpieces in arts. This book takes you inside the Zenana and introduces you to all the people present there. At the end of the book, you feel as if you have time travelled and are now in a position to call them, your friends! Their stories are awe-inspiring and fascinating.
The research done by the author for this book is truly commendable and it is visible all throughout her writing. Her writing simply holds your attention, making you flip page after page as you are enchanted by the story of Queens and Princesses who were more than just mere wallflowers.
Strongly recommended, this is one book every woman should read to know how the strength they are looking for, is always within them. It is just waiting to be discovered and brought out to conquer the world!
“Daughters of the Sun: Empresses, Queens and Begums of the Mughal Empire” by Ira Mukhoty is a captivating historical account that sheds light on the remarkable women who shaped the Mughal Empire. The book explores the lives of the empresses, queens, and begums who held power, influence, and significant roles in the Mughal court. These women, often overshadowed by their male counterparts, played crucial parts in the empire’s politics, culture, and dynastic struggles.
About the Author:
Ira Mukhoty is an Indian author and historian, known for her deep interest in Mughal history and her ability to bring historical figures and events to life with rich narrative detail. Her writing focuses on the roles of women in history, and she has a particular interest in highlighting the unheard stories of these women. Mukhoty’s other notable works include “A Princess Remembers” (a biography of Maharani Gayatri Devi) and various articles that explore Indian history, gender, and society.
Overview of the Book:
“Daughters of the Sun” is a well-researched and engaging narrative that brings to the forefront the untold stories of the powerful women who were integral to the Mughal Empire’s success and legacy. While the Mughals are often remembered for their kings, such as Akbar, Shah Jahan, and Aurangzeb, the women in their lives, from their mothers to their wives and daughters, wielded significant influence in shaping the empire’s politics, policies, and cultural fabric.
The book focuses on key women in Mughal history, such as:
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Empress Nur Jahan, the wife of Emperor Jahangir, who was a powerful and influential figure in the empire, controlling much of its politics and administration during her husband’s reign.
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Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shah Jahan, whose death led to the creation of the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic symbols of love and architecture in history.
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Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, who was known for her intellectual contributions, religious tolerance, and the cultural patronage she offered.
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Razia Sultana, one of the first female rulers in India, who ruled the Delhi Sultanate and is often forgotten in the grander narrative of Mughal women.
Through these stories, Mukhoty highlights the contributions, struggles, and achievements of these women in a male-dominated society, showing how they negotiated power, maneuvered through the intrigues of the Mughal court, and left lasting legacies.
Key Themes:
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Power and Influence:
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The book examines how Mughal women held significant political power and were not just passive figures in the royal court. Women like Nur Jahan held immense political sway, advising emperors and even making key decisions that shaped the course of the empire.
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These women were often not just mothers and wives but also political strategists who acted as regents and advisors, influencing important policies and royal succession.
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Gender and Patriarchy:
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Mukhoty explores how the women in the Mughal Empire navigated a society that was predominantly patriarchal, yet these women carved out spaces of power and agency. The book provides a nuanced understanding of gender roles in the Mughal court and how women, despite being largely marginalized in public history, were central figures in the private and political spheres.
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Culture, Art, and Architecture:
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The book delves into the cultural contributions of Mughal women, who were often patrons of art, architecture, and literature. For instance, Mumtaz Mahal’s legacy is most famously embodied in the Taj Mahal, a symbol of architectural brilliance and love. The role of women in the cultural development of the empire is a key theme of the book.
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Family Dynamics and Dynastic Politics:
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The complex family relationships within the Mughal dynasty, such as the power struggles between mothers, wives, and daughters, form a significant portion of the book. These women were not only influential in their own right but also played pivotal roles in shaping the destinies of their sons and daughters, influencing succession and political alliances.
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Love and Loyalty:
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The theme of love and loyalty is explored through the relationships these women had with their husbands, sons, and family members. For example, Mumtaz Mahal’s death and the creation of the Taj Mahal underscore a love story that transcended time and space. Additionally, the loyalty of women like Nur Jahan and Jahanara Begum to their families and the empire is explored in the context of their sacrifices and political strategies.
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Writing Style:
Ira Mukhoty’s writing is rich in historical detail, accessible, and narrative-driven. She blends historical facts with storytelling, making the book engaging for both casual readers and those with a deep interest in Mughal history. Mukhoty’s style is clear and concise, providing historical context while focusing on the human element behind the historical events.
She brings the history of these women to life by drawing on primary sources and historical records, while also providing a critical analysis of their roles and contributions. Her ability to balance factual history with emotional storytelling makes the book both educational and engaging.
Reception:
“Daughters of the Sun” has been well-received by readers and critics alike, particularly those interested in historical fiction and women’s history. The book has been praised for shedding light on the lives of forgotten women in Mughal history, offering a feminist perspective on the historical narrative. Readers have appreciated how Mukhoty brings to the forefront hidden stories and offers a nuanced understanding of the role women played in shaping the Mughal Empire.
Critics have also lauded the book for its engaging writing style and for being both informative and thought-provoking. It is considered an important contribution to historical literature and is recommended for anyone interested in the Mughal Empire, women’s history, or Indian history more generally.
Conclusion:
“Daughters of the Sun: Empresses, Queens and Begums of the Mughal Empire” by Ira Mukhoty is an illuminating and enriching read that offers a fresh perspective on the powerful women behind the Mughal throne. Through engaging storytelling and rich historical analysis, Mukhoty highlights the significance of women in shaping the history and culture of the Mughal Empire. This book is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of power, gender, and politics in one of India’s greatest empires.