How Mughal women were superb in business?

Within the Mughal court’s harem, royal women slip on radiant garments, epitomizing regality and refinement. Their grace is heightened in intricately embroidered saris or opulent Anarkali ensembles. Adorned with jeweled ornaments, their eyes speak of intelligence, framed by kohl, while delicate henna patterns on their hands merge tradition with elegance. Coiffed hair, decked with flowers, adds natural allure. Beyond this facade lies a more intricate reality. Were these Mughal ladies political chess players or the force behind successful men? Unveiling the hidden layers of their lives reveals a captivating tale, challenging the surface glamour and delving into the subtle intrigues of power and influence within and outside the royal court.

Apart from getting power from their mighty backgrounds, these Mughal women also had money power. They had various sources of income. Mostly all of them were allotted Jagirs, whose revenues were entirely at their disposal. They were given monthly allowances from the treasury to upkeep their lifestyle. Other sources of their income were various presents that were given by other royal members or guests from around the world who used to visit the empire. But some of them had other sources of income which made these Begums independent and economically self-sufficient. Mughals gave their women some degree of freedom which was not just confined to the harem itself. They were also taking part in administration, patronizing art and architecture, and foreign trade as well. The atmosphere of trade and commerce prevailing during the Mughal period was flourishing and thus made the royals and nobles interested in participating in this field. 

 

The Initial Push

In an indirect yet impactful manner, the Mughal ladies played a crucial role in driving the vibrant economy of their era. The diverse needs and desires of the Mughal harem acted as a catalyst for various industries, spanning both imperial workshops and those thriving in different corners of the country. To meet specific demands, luxury goods were also sourced from distant lands. From sumptuous textiles to exquisite jewelry, and opulent furniture to intricate decorations for their palaces, the ladies of the Mughal court showcased a keen interest in a myriad of items. Whether it was finely crafted dresses, mirrors, lace, carpets, footwear, or even cutlery, a vast array of products was on their radar. While many of these were skillfully produced in imperial workshops, others were imported from foreign lands. For instance, the imperial karkhanas boasted skilled artisans creating masterpieces, while the allure of Kashmir produced stunning carpets. However, the most extraordinary pieces were often sourced from regions like Iran and Central Asia. This not only contributed to the flourishing internal trade but also facilitated external commerce, as the Mughal ladies’ discerning tastes spurred a network of exchanges that transcended borders.

The majestic Mughal queens weren’t just rulers; they were architects of commerce. They constructed bustling hubs for trade, erected traveler-friendly caravanserais, and commanded a fleet of ships that navigated the seas between Surat and Red Sea ports. From pilgrim ships weighing 400 to 1500 tons to junks fashioned after Chinese designs, these vessels were a testament to the queens’ economic prowess. They transformed trade into an art, leaving an indelible mark on the bustling markets and maritime routes that defined their era.

 

Arab ki Sarai commissioned by Haji Begum ( photo credit- Hindustan Times)

 

While many Mughal queens showed little interest in economic affairs, there was an exception during Humayun’s era in the form of Haji Begam, one of his wives. Haji Begam not only displayed a charitable nature by building the Arba ki Sarai near Delhi in 1560. accommodating 300 guests. These acts of generosity, common during the Mughal times, aimed to support trade and commerce by offering shelter and security to pilgrims, traders, and travelers, fostering the free movement of goods.

 

Economic Influence Beyond Architecture

The economic scene saw a significant shift with Akbar’s wife, known as Maryam-uz-Zamani. She broke the mold, becoming the first Mughal queen directly involved in trade and commerce. Jodha Bai owned ships that engaged in brisk trade between Surat and various Red Sea ports, notably the renowned Rahimi of Surat. This vessel transported around 1500 passengers and pilgrims to destinations like Mocha or Jedda port of Mecca. Foreign accounts from Jahangir’s time speak of Queen Mother Maryam-uz-Zamani’s ships and the thriving trade they conducted between India and Arabia. William Finch, an English envoy, noted that the Queen Mother, or those under her protection, conducted extensive trading operations, exemplified by a vessel being laden for a voyage to Mecca during his visit to Bayana in Rajasthan. 

Jodha Bai aka Mariyam-uz-Zamani (wikipedia commons)

 

Yet, even for the queen mother acting as a regent, engaging in trade was far from risk-free. The constant peril of ships sinking during journeys or encountering pirates and marauders loomed large. Adding to the complexity, she grappled with the challenges of navigating a competitive business landscape teeming with merchants from around the world. In a significant event in 1613, the Portuguese clashed directly with the Mughals, seizing one of the queen mother’s ships bound for Mecca. This vessel carried valuable cargo, and passengers, and even possessed a Portuguese pass guaranteeing its safety. The audacious move by the Portuguese infuriated the Mughals, prompting the dispatch of Mukarrab Khan to Surat. His orders were clear: halt all trade and lay siege to the Portuguese town of Daman as a reprisal for their actions.

Some women paved their way to influence the economy by promoting skills and artisans rather than engaging in trade.  Jagat Gosain, one of Jahangir’s wives and the daughter of Raja Udai Singh of Jodhpur (who was Shah Jahan’s mother), may not have directly engaged in economic activities, but her legacy extends to the founding of Sohagpura village. Here, amidst the ruins of her palace and tomb, thrived a bustling hub for the production of exquisite glass bangles. 

 

‘Queens’ of the Trade Deck

In a cast of Mughal women often relegated to supporting roles on the economic stage, two remarkable figures emerged as the unrivaled stars. Far from the conventional image of veiled and conservative royal ladies, these dynamic women exuded fearlessness, boldness, intelligence, and unparalleled influence. Their impact extended beyond internal affairs, reaching into the realm of foreign affairs, elevating them to figures of paramount importance. To encapsulate their essence in a single word, one could aptly dub them “baddies” – a term that captures their unapologetic assertiveness, strategic prowess, and trailblazing spirit in a historically restrained setting. Their narratives, brimming with audacity and sagacity, not only defy stereotypes but also redefine the role of women in the annals of Mughal history. They made themselves the real queens of the trade deck. 

The zeal of Nur Jahan (photo credits- Sarmaya. in)

 

Nur Jahan

Unlike her predecessor Jodha Bai, Nur Jahan’s influence extended beyond sea trade. She not only built marketplaces and serais but also owned ships engaged in brisk sea trade, a feat that earned her the rare distinction of having coins struck in her name—gold coins adorned with the twelve signs of the zodiac. No other Muslim women had been entitled to have coins made in their honor. The extent to which these coins were used in commercial transactions is unknown. “Current money” is what Manucei refers to them as, while several stories claim otherwise.

Renowned for her architectural endeavors, Nur Jahan Begum left an indelible mark with the construction of the Nur Mahal Sarai in Jalandhar, personally financing its creation—an unusual gesture in the Mughal empire. Her contributions weren’t confined to one location; another Nur Mahal Sarai near Agra showcased her commitment to accommodating two to three thousand people and 500 horses. Nur Jahan’s multifaceted talents extended to dress, textiles, carpets, and jewelry design, catalyzing craftsmen. Her encouragement fostered the growth of the Kinari Bazar in Agra, a hub for the famed kinkhab textile. The dress-making, carpet-making, and jewelry industries flourished, employing skilled craftsmen.

Nur Jahan’s Portrait (photo credit-  Los Angeles County Museum of Arts)

 

In the realm of foreign trade, Nur Jahan navigated the complexities with astuteness. Realizing the challenges posed by Mughal-Portuguese tensions, she strategically favored the English to facilitate the export of her goods. Internally, she actively participated in river trade through the Jamuna in Agra, overseeing the movement of various articles. Her offices in Agra collected duties on goods and provisions entering and leaving, contributing to the city’s vibrant economic landscape. Nur Jahan Begum’s legacy shines not only in her architectural contributions but also in her strategic and intelligent approach to internal as well as external trade and commerce.

 

Jahanara 

In the era of Shah Jahan, Princess Jahanara Begum emerged as the sole royal Mughal lady deeply involved in the thriving trade and commerce of the time. While secondary wives like Akbarabadi Mahal contributed through the construction of a sarai, it was Jahanara Begum who actively shaped the economy. Notably, she established the renowned Begum Sarai, a caravanserai in Delhi, catering to rich Persian, Usbek, and other foreign merchants. This strategic move facilitated trade and commerce between different regions through Delhi.

Princess Jahanara ( photo credit- British Library)

 

Similar to Nur Jahan Begum, Jahanara engaged in building caravansarais, marketplaces, and sea trade, showcasing her keen interest in economic activities. With revenue sources beyond her father’s allowances, Jahanara managed the flourishing Surat port’s income for her household expenses and received the Sarkar of Dohraha’s revenue for maintaining her gardens. Her influential position led to numerous valuable gifts from both locals and foreigners seeking her favor. The Dutch came to her for help in resolving their issues. With presents like broadcloth, embroidered cloth, mirrors, fragrant oil, cupboards, etc., the English also made an effort to win her over. Tavernier mentions giving the Princess presents.

Jahanara Begum’s financial acumen extended to brisk foreign trade, owning numerous ships, and fostering cooperative relationships with the Dutch and English. This collaboration yielded substantial profits, estimated by Manucci at 30 lakh rupees annually, excluding her precious gem holdings. Her flagship, the Sahebi, operated profitably, serving not only for financial gains but also assisting Haj pilgrims. The value of the Princess’s cargo aboard this ship was between ten and fifteen thousand rupees. Usually, the products ended up in Jedda. The ship’s captain was ordered to bring as many horses from Jedda as he could manage to secure.  In December 1629, Shahjahan gave Princess Jahanara another ship, named Gunjawar, along with some valuables, drugs, and materials. Jahanara’s philanthropic efforts were evident in the Sahebi’s voyages, dedicated to Haj pilgrims, and her annual provision of rice for the destitute of Mecca. The princess’s ventures extended to two famous marketplaces, one in Lahore and the other in Delhi, where specialty shops offered rare and costly items ranging from exquisite ornaments and gems to fine wine, ornamented hookahs, and even pet animals. 

However, the fervor for women’s active involvement in trade saw a notable decline post-Jahanara era, particularly during Emperor Aurangzeb’s reign. Notably, there appears to be a hiatus in the participation of royal Mughal ladies in commercial activities. Aurangzeb’s second daughter, the benevolent Zinat-un-Nisa Begum, distinguished herself by constructing fourteen Caravansarais for the welfare of impoverished travelers and merchants. Another notable figure, Aurangzeb’s wife Nawab Bai, is credited with building a Sarai at Fardapur. Yet, beyond these instances, discerning whether other royal Mughal ladies contributed to the economic field remains a challenging task. Our knowledge of Mughal noblewomen’s active roles in trade during the 16th and 17th centuries primarily stems from European accounts, as Indian sources, particularly Persian-language Mughal records, offer limited insights into such engagements. The scarcity of information extends even to the struggles faced by these elite women, leaving us with an incomplete understanding of their efforts to transcend societal norms in a male-dominated world. This gap in historical records underscores the universal nature of women’s aspirations to break free from traditional domestic roles, a desire observed across diverse cultures and historical contexts. The enduring struggles faced by women in their quest to overcome barriers persist to this day, representing both a tragedy and a wellspring of strength. The shared narrative of women striving for agency and recognition transcends time and place, uniting them in a collective pursuit of equality and empowerment.

 

Reference

• Findly, Ellison B. “The Capture of Maryam-Uz-Zamānī’s Ship: Mughal Women and European Traders.” Journal of the American Oriental Society, vol. 108, no. 2, 1988, pp. 227–38. JSTOR, https://doi.org/10.2307/603650. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.
• “CONTRIBUTIONS OF ROYAL MUGHAL WOMEN IN ECONOMIC FIELD.” Issuu, 12 Nov. 2022, issuu.com/dr.yashpalnetragaonkar/docs/4._dinesh_kumar#google_vignette.
• Kapadia, Aparna. “We Know All About Warrior Queens Like Lakshamibai. Now, Let’s Talk of Medieval India’s Businesswomen.” Scroll. in, 5 Mar. 2020, scroll. in/article/955106/we-know-all-about-warrior-queens-like-lakshamibai-now-let-s-talk-of-medieval-india-s-businesswomen.