Skip to main content

Power Shift

Winter 1607, Akbarabad Fort

 “Ladies of the Harem, please rise to bow to the new Begum!” The guards announced as the crowd gathered to make merry on the happy occasion parted to catch a glimpse of the newly married Sahila Banu Begum. The eminent ladies of the Harem, queens, princesses, and families of chiefs, stood in the garden of the Harem, where the fountains smelled of rose water and carpets from Persia were laid down the path, with occasional showers of rose petals on the eminent guests for the evening. Tulips bloomed and musicians played at the Nahabat Khana. This Navroz had started off early for the Royal Family, but the Padshah made no announcement for his Padshah Begum. Rumours flew in the Harem that he now favoured Sahila Banu over his once favourite Jodha Begum. Rukaiya Begum sat on a marble stone platform, at one end of the garden, with Salima Begum, delicacies wrapped in silver foils, placed in between them, as dancers performed for the occasion.

The new Begum walked across the garden, greeting the ladies and accepting their gifts, while they flocked around her. She reached the platform and bowed to the elderly ladies, who smiled happily. She then moved to the other end of the garden, where Mariam Ur Zamani and Jagat Gossain sat.

“ Sahila Begum”, Jagat Gossain got up to greet her reluctantly as Rukaiya Begum eyed her with a frown.

“She is the married Begum to the emperor now, Jodha Begum, either call her by her title or Padshah Banu.” She snapped at Jagat Gossain while Mariam Ur Zamani agreed. “You can be the elder wife, but she is still a queen in the Harem.”

Jagat Gossain’s jaws stiffened, for her spies had brought her the news of Emperor Jahangir’s inclination towards choosing Saliha Banu Begum as his Padshah Begum over her because the Dowager Empress made him believe he needed to show more faith in his Persian subjects. She had rushed to Mariam Ur Zamani in vain and was reminded of her audacity to openly challenge the Dowager Queen, which had led to such consequences. Jagat Gossain had hence made a reluctant appearance for a futile chance of mending relationships with the still influential Rukaiya Sultana Begum.

“I apologise, Sultana Sahiba. I apologise, Padshah Banu.” She bowed in courtesy as Sahila Begum nodded. “When the right time comes, I will show the emperor who is more capable.” She thought under her breath as she stared at Rukaiya Begum and found her watching as if she could read her thoughts.

“Sultana Begum.” The new Padshah Begum addressed Rukaiya Begum in a dignified voice, “Will you please address the ladies for preparations of the Navroz?”

Rukaiya smiled, “But it is what the Crowned Begums do...”

“I want to stay close and learn from you.” Sahila Banu’s sweetness was infectious. It somehow irked Rukaiya at that instant. She agreed and went on to address the Harem, with the power and authority she loved to have control over.

“Tomorrow, the Navroz festivities and fairs start, all of you must be ready to display your products of art and handloom, not only to the other ladies but to the emperor himself.” A buzz of excitement rang through the garden. Navroz was a time when the royal ladies mingled and was a prospective time for young maidens to grab the attention of the Princes.

As the crowd began to disperse, Rukaiya Begum spotted Asmat Begum in a corner and asked her lady-in-waiting to call her over to her chambers. Salima Begum was surprised at this, and her questioning eyes were duly ignored by Rukaiya Begum, who walked away to retire for the night.

Asmat Begum walked into the fairly lit chamber of the Dowager Princess, where a hookah and fresh dates were being arranged. She bowed and directed her daughter, who had followed her to the chambers, towards the Queen.

“Here, Mehr has made you a dress exactly like you wanted, Sultana Begum.” Her words made Rukaiya Begum look up at the woman who held a velvet-wrapped package in her hand. Her eyes shone in the light of the lamp, and she bowed and placed the package down. Rukaiya gave the nearest Lady In Waiting for a glace, upon which she quickly opened the wrap.

A gasp was about to escape Rukaiya Begum’s lips, but she controlled it. The angrakha-styled piece of cloth Mehr Un Nissa had designed was an exquisite one of its kind piece of art. Woven in a gold embroidered silk fabric, and studded with pearls, a transparent veil of Bengal’s finest Muslin added to the glory of the piece. She was indeed impressed.

“You are hired.” She caught the smile on Asmat’s lips as she addressed the woman, “As my special Lady in Waiting, you will follow me everywhere and design dresses for the ladies in your free time. You can also set up a stall at the fair to display your designs. You can read out my letters, pen down replies, accompany me on trips and help me with everything else.”

“Gratitude Sultana Begum.” She bowed. “I will love to be at your service.”

“You will be provided with accommodation for you and your daughter in the Harem, and she will receive education with the children.” Rukaiya Begum smiled, dispersing them.

Sighing heavily, she leaned on her cushion, tired from the day’s turn of events. Taking a date from the plate, she smiled.

Jahangir had sought her advice of council before declaring his official Padshah Begum. Rukaiya Begum was waiting for this very moment.

“The Timurids and Persians have lost faith in you. Ever since Khusrau revolted and the Rajputs aided it, they fear the power of the land will soon shift hands. Prove them wrong. Show them what a strong emperor you are.”

“How do I do that, Badi Ammi?” Jahangir frowned.

“Making Jodha Begum your Padshah Begum only escalates the matter. Making Sahila Begum your Padshah Begum, her origin will reassure the Harem and the court that the power is still with you and nothing has changed. But she is too inexperienced and just introduced to the Harem... will she be capable enough to handle...” Rukaiya Begum’s thoughts trailed aloud.

“But... Jodha Begum...” Jahangir frowned.

“I know she is your favourite Begum, she occupies the chief spot in your Rajput harem, let her. She will understand. Right now, it’s important to show your kinship, show some preference to Sahila Banu Begum, and give her more duties in the Harem, before officially thinking of someone to be a Padshah Begum to you. Talk to Jodha Begum, she will understand your situation.”

“I will talk to her.” Jahangir agreed. “You are right, Badi Ammi, this is a needed move. And Sahila is no expert, you can train her.”

“I will be glad to.” Rukaiya Begum smiled at him, “I am sure Jodha Begum will understand the best interest of the land.”

“Khusrau has fallen ill again.” Jahangir looked guilty “Even the child born to him by Mirza Koka’s daughter has brought him very little peace.”

“I suggest you send his family away from here, maybe to Allahabad for a few days, the change will be good for him.” Rukaiya Begum smiled “Also, hold a public celebration as Dawar Baksh turns one, I am sure many will love that.”

“Yes, you are right, Badi Ammi. After all, he is the firstborn and a contender to be my heir in place of Khusrau someday.” Rukaiya Begum’s heart skipped a beat. She had totally dismissed Khusrau’s clan when he was blinded. She had misjudged Jahangir’s affection for his newborn grandson. Indeed, he was a contender for the throne that she wanted for Khurram.

“Well, it will depend on how the child grows up; there is still plenty of time for that in the future, and I am sure when the time comes, you will know.”Rukaiya Begum smiled reassuringly.

"Besides, I have decided Parvez should also learn administration and warfare properly. I have decided to let Mahabat Khan take charge of Dakkhan with him as a leader, fully in control of the decisions down south.” Jahangir looked from a distance as his voice faded.

Parvez Mirza, his second son, was in no way better than Khurram. Rukaiya had no doubt about it, the moment she saw how dependent he was on Mahabat Khan. Rukaiya was sure that even if Parvez claimed the throne, he would be a dummy in the hands of Mahabat, something perhaps even the emperor realised about him early. His nature was to follow, not lead. But Dawar Baksh, the one-year-old threat to her Khurram’s future... a sudden sense of guilt crept into her as she grew conscious of her desperate thoughts. She travelled back to the time she had pleaded for the life of infant Mirza Mohammad, going against the decisions of Bairam Khan and Maham Anga. She couldn’t forget how Jalal reminded her of it when Mirza Mohammad had rebelled. Could she think of it as a justified answer to how she found the infant Dawar threatening? Perhaps she understood her kin better now. Perhaps she had become one of them.

“Look what you made me, Jalal.” She whispered at the night sky, “I am thinking of an infant as a threat to my son. I guess you are happy now that your Rukaiya has finally understood the politics of the land.” She sighed as a teardrop wet her cheek.

Sahila Banu Begum was being helped by her ladies-in-waiting to get out of her heavy jewellery and clothes after the much-tired day of a public appearance. A eunuch appeared before her and bowed.

“Jodha Begum is here to see you.” Sahila Banu frowned at his words and nodded in approval.

Jagat Gossain walked in with all her confidence, and Sahila Banu Begum bowed in courtesy. It didn’t escape Jodha Begum’s eyes how the bow was short and reluctant. She smiled.

“Is anything wrong, Jodha Begum?” Sahila Banu asked politely, “It’s very late, the Shahehshah will be here any minute...”

Jagat Gossain clenched her jaws. Sahila Banu was not missing a chance to show off how her husband was now favouring his new bride. She smiled back.

“I will only take a few moments, in private.” With the wave of her hand, Sahila Banu dismissed everyone and offered her a seat. Jagat Gossain sat down, carefully looked around and cleared her throat.

“I am here to warn you, Padshah Banu.” She said in a hushed tone.

“Warn me?” Sahila Banu frowned.

“Yes, do you know Mehr Un Nissa?” She asked the clueless Sahila Banu. “She is the daughter of Ghiyaz Begh and sister to Asaf Khan, Asmat Begum, that lady who sells perfumes is her mother.”

“I see, but why are you...”

“She also has another identity...” Jagat Gossain adjusted her nose ring as she hushed her tone further. Even the walls at Akbarabad had ears. “She was the Shahehshah’s lover.” Sahila Banu frowned at her words.

“In the past?” Sahila Banu frowned at how it was relevant. Princes had innumerable affairs and concubines.

“You don’t know her. I have never seen a woman like her. So outspoken about her feelings... so passionate about everything new and  her...”

“She seems intriguing.” Sahila Banu interrupted, “And intelligent.”

“Enough to make her way into the Harem and become the Padshah Begum! You know what I mean?” Jagat Gossain’s words made Sahila Banu frown.

“Sultana Begum knows this game better than anyone else. She will do anything to keep the power in her own hands and can use anyone for it. That is why she doesn’t want us to get along.” Jagat Gossain eyed the already pale Sahila Banu “Don’t make the mistake I did by trusting her. She took away my child at birth; she will make sure you become the Padshah Begum so that she has control over you. Now she has brought back Mehr Un Nissa as her own lady in waiting. And finally, when she won’t need you anymore... I can’t imagine the fate that awaits ...” She stopped to observe the listener.

Sahila Banu took a deep breath as she continued, “I want to help you out, so I had to tell you. I should leave before he comes. If you need any help, please tell me.” Jagat Gossain rushed off, carefully eyeing the corridor as Sahila’s ladies and eunuch walked in.

“Is everything all right, Padshah Banu?” her eunuch asked.

“Yes, Abraham, don’t worry.” Sahila Banu forced a smile, still lost in her thoughts. “Jodha Begum doesn’t seem to favour the Dowager Queen much, that’s all.”

“Do you agree with her, Padshah Banu?” Her lady-in-waiting asked. She nodded.

“Jodha Begum is a mother who was separated from her child. She can’t think straight now. I sympathise with her.” Sahila Banu stared at her reflection in the mirror “Now dress me up to mesmerise the Shahehshah tonight.”

Sahila Banu was married to Jahangir sometime in late 1607 and was the daughter of one of his generals Qaim Khan. It is not clear if she was made the official Padshah Begum sometime later but her title makes people believe she was indeed the Harem head, a puppet or otherwise till her death when Noor Jahan took over after her death in June 1620. She was often referred to as Noor Jahan’s strongest contender, but so was Jagat Gossain, neither of whom clearly became a padishah begum by title. Her adopted son, Miyan Joh, was killed by the emperor’s order upon a rebel in 1626. She was well-versed in all major languages of the state and was referred to as Padshah Mahal.




Popular posts from this blog

Purnota: Chapter Eleven

Bondita opened her window to find Thamma and Jyatha Moshai missing from the lawn. The chairs were empty. Was she sleeping till late? She checked the clock and shook her head. Taking the towel, she hurried towards the bathroom, countering Kalindi on the way. She was reading the newspaper with her rimless reading glasses on. “Umm… why are you here? Where is Jyatha Moshai?” Kalindi raised her eyes briefly and sighed without putting the paper away. Her lack of response puzzled Bondita as she made her way to take a bath. When she came out in a pair of jeans and a shirt, rolling her sleeves up, Kalindi observed her keenly. “Will you be going somewhere?” She enquired. Bondita nodded.  “Ah, yes, the District Office, some of my paperwork for the Bar Membership needs to be signed by a Gazetted Officer. Jyatha Moshai knows someone…” “Don’t go by their house… he is in a bad mood.” Kalindi placed some Chirer Polao in front of her and spoke as Bondita rubbed her wet hair with a frown. “Why?” “Oh...

Purnota: Chapter Thirteen

Aniruddha eyed Trilochon, sitting at the desk in his room, attending to some paperwork. His reading glasses were on his nose, and he appeared engrossed in a financial document. He stood at the threshold, a bit unsure and glanced over his shoulder at Somnath, Batuk and Bondita. She gestured at him to go on. Aniruddha cleared his throat. That prompted Trilochon to look away from his document at his nephew. “Jethu, if you are busy, I can come back…” He suggested unsurely. “Come in and close the door.” Trilochon glanced over Aniruddha’s shoulder at the others who walked away hurriedly. Aniruddha closed the door, and Bondita tiptoed to place her ears on it. Batuk and Somnath stood at a distance. “So you met her?” Trilochon spoke while cleaning his glasses. Aniruddha nodded. Somnath had introduced them to Ashalata. Bondita, Batuk, and he had met them in a Dhaba off the highway. Although Bondita did most of the talking, initiating a friendly gesture to put the nervous Ashalata at ease, he had...

Purnota: Chapter Twelve

Bondita woke up to the alarm clock ringing as she struggled to get her hand out of the quilt wrapped around her. She sat inside the mosquito net, rubbing her eyes and staring at the clock, trying to remember why she had set the alarm at 3.45 AM. Then her eyes shone in delight. It was Mahalaya. She remembered that during her days in Dehra, she had educated her roommate on the tradition of starting pujo with the voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra echoing through the air. She was uninterested, and Bondita had borrowed her headphones to hear the program and deeply missed home. She remembered that as a child, while her father was still alive, he would gently wake her up, and take her on his lap to the huge Banyan tree near the Panchayat where people gathered near the Pradhan’s radio, putting flower garlands and lamps around it and folding their hands as they heard Mahishashur Mardini killing the Asura. When she arrived in Kolkata to get her law degree, she thought things would be different. B...

You Deserve More

Ajabdeh woke up with the song of birds as she felt something warm on her hand. Her eyes went wide. Her hand was on the pillow in between them, between his hands, clasped as he slept. She thought of removing it slowly, but he was holding on to it so tightly. Ajabdeh's heart beat faster and faster. What do I do now? How do I not wake him? What if... why is my hand in his? She was utterly confused.   " Am I...In love?" Pratap was staring at the sleeping figure on the bed as he stared back at the rain. Then he frowned as he noticed that she shivered. He closed the windows of the room to make it cosy, then sat on his side of the bed. A lamp flickered on her side like always, and he stared at her sleeping figure as he put his blanket over her as well. She shifted a little in her sleep to make herself cosy again. Her payals and bangles made a rhythmic sound, breaking the silence of the room. Her hand was out of her blanket and on the pillow in between. He tried to slowly put it ...

Purnota: Chapter Ten

The rain clouds gave way to the scorching sun the following day as Bondita woke up as the first rays of the sun hit her face and disturbed her sleep. She cursed herself for keeping the window open and sat inside the mosquito net with a sleepy yawn. She eyed the alarm clock on her desk that said 6.30. Bondita scratched her head and pulled the mosquito net up to search for her slippers. She heard the bell ringing from Thamma’s room and the chanting of mantras. A smile came involuntarily to her lips as she realised that she might have come after ages, but everything in Chandannagar seemed to have been at a standstill. She grabbed the Kurti from the chair to change from the top she was wearing and wondered what she could do for the day. For the first time in a long time, she was free from the routine of boarding houses. Her eyes fell on the mess around her room since she had not unpacked the day before. Bondita decided to spend the morning unpacking her belongings. She opened the door of h...

Dreams and Wishes

At dawn, the Bhil women took the girls to the Kalika Mata Temple and the Jal Kund. Dressed in white, a nervous Heer followed everything Ajabde knew and did, trying to explain the significance of the rituals to her. They prayed to Lord Ganesh. Kunwar Shakti and Kunwar Pratap were staying at Punja Ji's place, as they were not supposed to see the brides before the wedding. Ajabde was dressed in her mother's lehenga, a mang tika Jaivanta Bai gave her as a family heirloom and the simple nosering Pratap had gifted. They made their hair into a simple bun with wildflowers before putting on their dupatta. Heer was dressed in traditional Bhil jewellery of silver and beads that the women had gifted her. They made her wear a red and white saree draped as a lehenga and a red chunri with it. She looked like a pretty, colourful Bhil bride. Kunwar Shakti was a nervous groom dressed in a traditional bhil dhoti, kurta and cap. The bhil shawl hung from a side, making the white attire colourf...

Purnota: Chapter Sixteen

It had been a month since Bondita had started working in the firm. With Somnath’s wedding date being set for winter, many things were keeping Trilochon and Kalindi busy as they took charge of the smooth running of things leading up to the wedding. They needed to shop for everyone, buy gifts and choose jewellery and sarees for the bride. Despite his attempts, Trilochon found Binoy reluctant to participate in his son’s wedding arrangements. Somnath took him and Kalindi to places they wanted to go, especially Kolkata for shopping, and Trilochon made arrangements to make sure that the first wedding of the generation was grand enough. Bondita tried to help as much as she could as she noticed Aniruddha being oddly aloof from the entire thing. She assumed it was due to Trilochon’s reactions to his lack of interest in marriage. Trilochon kept pestering her to enquire into his reasons while she kept stalling him with excuses. Bondita also failed to know more about Kalindi and Trilochon’s past, ...

Towards You

The Afghans, after Sher Shah Suri's untimely demise, were at loggerheads for power. Their troops near Mewar were now led by Mehmood Shah. They secretly captured territories in the forests and waited to attack Mewari camps when the time was right. Rawat Chundawat and his spies had confirmed the news, and Udai Singh sent a warning to Mehmood Shah to withdraw his troops from Mewar in vain. Now that it was out in the open, it was time they declared war. Mehmood Shah had limited resources in Mewar. His internal rebellion against his commander did not help his cause. His spies clearly suggested that in no way could he win, especially with Kunwar Pratap leading his troops. He was having second thoughts about the war. It was then that one of his aides suggested a perfect plan. Maharani Jaivanta Bai had decided to go to the Mahakaleshwar Temple near the outskirts of Chittorgarh, in the forestlands of Bhilwara. They had travelled a long way and across the Gambhiri river that meandered during...

Confrontation

Maine kahan tha saath rahunga Banunga main tera saaya Par tere saath kuch kadam bhi Main nahi chal paya Bondita got out of bed and left the room before Aniruddha woke up. She went about her chores and decided to ignore his presence until she found herself a logical explanation for her impulsive behaviour, good enough for him to forgive her mistake. She made breakfast and told the cook to note down who preferred what for when she would leave. She waited in the kitchen long enough for the breakfast to be served by the house help and eaten. His routine was fixed. He would go to the study room and leave for work in half an hour. Then, she wouldn’t have to put up with this hide-and-seek till late afternoon or evening. But things rarely go as planned in life. “Bondita? Bouma!” Trilochan’s call made her shake her head. She pulled the ghomta above her head and walked out to the dining area. Eyes met briefly as she looked away and spoke to Trilochan as if dismissing his presence altogether....

Purnota: Chapter Fifteen

A week was all it took for Bondita to get used to work and the new routine. She would wake up early and hurry through her chores, helping Kalindi prepare a tiffin of either Chirer Polao or bread jam and then proceeding to the Roy Chowdhury house. She would arrange the day’s paperwork before Aniruddha arrived at the study room. Occasionally, she would hear him call out to Koeli for breakfast and pack her things, knowing he was almost ready to leave. He would walk into the chamber, check his list, and they would go to work. She would follow him from courtroom to courtroom. She would be sitting in the audience and learning. She would follow him to conferences and client meetings and take notes. They would discuss complicated cases. She would share the tiffin she brought from home. He would at first take a reluctant bite, then eat more than her. She often gave him her share of food discreetly. They usually stayed back after everyone was gone and ordered food for dinner. Some days, he woul...