Jahanara Begum

Shahzadi (Imperial Princess) Jahanara Begum, b. 2 April 1614, d. 16 September 1681. Eldest daughter of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.

Jahanara was the most beloved daughter of Shah Jahan; she took the place of her mother Mumtaz Mahal after her death as first lady in the country. Her father took frequently her advice and gave her fortune and power. She took the side of her brother Dara Shikoh in the struggle for the throne, when Shah Jahan was very ill. Dara had promised her to lift the ban on marriage for Mughal princesses, which Akbar had introduced.

Jahanara was known for her acitve part in looking after the poor, gave lot of money for building of moshee and gardens, and was a poet herself. It is believed that she took acitve role in design of Taj Mahal.

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