Nur Jahan, empress consort of the Mughal Empire (b. 1577)
Nur Jahan, born Mehr-un-Nissa (lit. 'Sun Among Women'; c. 1577 – 18 December 1645) was the chief wife of the Mughal emperor Jahangir and is considered by historians to have been the real power behind the throne for much of her husband's reign.
Nur Jahan was born Mehr-un-Nissa, the daughter of a Grand Vizier (Minister) who served under Akbar.
Nur Jahan, chief consort of Jahangir, was the most powerful and influential woman at court during a period when the Mughal Empire was at the peak of its power and glory. More decisive and proactive than her husband, she is considered by historians to have been the real power behind the throne for more than fifteen years. Nur Jahan was granted certain honours and privileges which were never enjoyed by any Mughal empress before or after. Nur Jahan was the only Mughal empress to have coinage struck in her name. She was often present when the Emperor held court, and even held court independently when the Emperor was unwell. She was given charge of his imperial seal, implying that her perusal and consent were necessary before any document or order received legal validity. The Emperor sought her views on most matters before issuing orders and because of his addiction to alcohol and drugs, he simply handed over the rule of the empire to her and Nur Jahan even issued farmāns (sovereign mandates) in her own name. The only other Mughal empress to command such devotion from her husband was Nur Jahan's niece Mumtaz Mahal, for whom Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum. However, Mumtaz took no interest in affairs of state and Nur Jahan is therefore unique in the annals of the Mughal Empire for the political influence she wielded.