Jodha Bai
Table of Contents
Who was Mariam uz Zamani or Jodha Bai?
Mariam Uz Zamani, commonly known as Jodha bai, was the most favourite wife of Akbar. She belonged to Rajput clan. Her father, Raja Bharmal of Ajmer, married her to Akbar for political benefits.
The change in Akbar’s religious and social policies can be attributed to her as she make him realize the importance of tolerance if Akbar want to rule over a long term.
She was a liberal, kind and a wise person. Because of all these qualities, her say in the matters of court was well respected by Akbar and other ministers.
Mariam Uz Zamani as the empress of India
Jodha Bai was the longest serving Hindu Empress of the Mughal Empire. She had a significant influence on the social, religious and political policies of Akbar. One reason why Akbar was called “Great” was due to his neutral religious policies and this quality of Akbar can be attributed to Jodha bai.
Though the religious ulemmas present in the court were often against the involvement of Jodhabai in the affairs of the court, but still she has considerable influence in the day to day affairs and proceedings of the court.
Mariam has the power to issue farmans in her name. She could sign on the official documents. During her time, the influence of Rajputs in the Mughal court was considerable.
Birth of Twins
She was married to Akbar in 1562. After 2 years of marriage, she gave birth to twins- Mirza Hassan and Mirza Hussain. However, both of them died within a few weeks. After this, Jodha bai was grief stricken. So, Akbar took her to Khwaja Salim Chisti of Fatehpur Sikri who assured them of 3 more sons who would live quite long.
Birth of Salim and Murad
In 1569, Akbar and Mariam were again expecting a child. Akbar strongly believed it to be a boy remembering the words of Khwaja Salim Chisti. When Jodhabai gave birth to a boy, Akbar named him Salim after the name of Sufi Saint. Akbar was so excited with the birth of Salim that he gave huge gifts, jagirs, etc to the courteers and ordered the release of some of the criminals. He also decided to go Fatehpur Sikri to seek the blessings of the Sufi Saint.
In1570, Mariam gave birth to another son Murad Mirza. Though he was born weak but he was able to survive later.
Death of Jodha Bai
She died in May 1623. She was buried in a mausoleum close to that of Akbar. Though we don’t know the exact reason of her death but Jahangir had repeatedly mentioned of her deteriorating health in his autobiography.
FAQs
Jahangir’s mother was Mariam Uz Zamani, quite popular as Jodha Bai.
Mariam-uz-Zamani was the real name of Jodha bai
Akbar had a total of 6 wives.
Yes, Jodhabai took active participation in the day to day affairs of the court.