The Tragic End of Princess Jahanara's Love

Emperor Shah Jahan had earned many laurels during his reign. The most common tale revolves around his love for his wife. However, few know of his profound affection for his eldest daughter, Jahanara Begum. His love for the beautiful Princess was so immense that he was willing to go to any extent, even resorting to violence against anyone who came between them.

A painting of the Princess when at the age of eighteen I Source: Wikipedia

Shah Jahan's eldest daughter was widely regarded as the most beautiful woman of her time. Born in 1614 to the great Mughal Emperor and his beloved Mumtaz Mahal, Princess Jahanara was a unique individual. Her dedication to learning not only made her a poet and biographer but also an ardent art enthusiast and skilled architect.

Shah Jahan cherished her above all his children. Some believed he saw a reflection of Mumtaz in her, and whenever he missed his beloved wife, he found solace in his beautiful daughter's presence. Others claimed that Jahanara had significant influence over the activities of the Shahenshah. She watched over his safety, diligently observing everything that transpired around them. There was a time when no food could be served at the royal table without her meticulous supervision.

With the Emperor's sons assigned various tasks across the country and the crucial decision of selecting the heir to the throne looming, Jahanara's increased vigilance allowed Shah Jahan to rest better. Dara, Shah Jahan's son, once promised Jahanara that if she helped him secure the throne, he would grant her permission to marry.

This was an unprecedented offer, especially for a woman as beautiful and prominent as Jahanara, the princess of the Mughal dynasty. No suitor within the country was considered worthy enough by Shah Jahan to wed his daughter.

When Francois Bernier travelled to India and served as a physician in the royal court, he observed an incident involving the princess. He noted that Jahanara Begum lived in the harem, like other females of the royal family. She had dedicated servants and guards, all female, attending to her every need.

There was an exception, a young man who frequently visited Jahanara in her harem. Bernier did not name him but mentioned he held no high rank at the court. It was likely the beginning of a love affair that the princess cherished. However, the presence of this man in the harem became the subject of gossip within the royal household.

Soon enough, news of Jahanara Begum's secret romance reached Shahenshah's ears. He had to address the matter swiftly to prevent the "rumours" from spreading. Consequently, he made an unexpected visit to his daughter's harem at an unusual hour, startling everyone present.

A painting by Abindranath Tagore showing Princess Jahanara beside an old Shah Jahan I Source: Wikipedia

The young man had no choice but to hide. He concealed himself by immersing himself in a large cauldron filled with water intended for the Princess' bath. The Emperor engaged his daughter in casual conversation about mundane matters. The conversation concluded when Shah Jahan noticed Jahanara's skin, suggesting she must have neglected her skincare routine, prompting him to insist she take a proper bath.

He ordered the eunuchs to light the fire beneath the cauldron for Princess Jahanara's bath. No one dared to utter a word. Shah Jahan did not leave the harem until the eunuchs confirmed that the man was dead.

Jahanara Begum paid a hefty price for her love. She was never questioned about allowing a man into her quarters, but the Emperor handled the situation as he saw fit, leaving Jahanara's voice unheard.