Skip to main content

Power Shift

Image
By

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 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 a glance, 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 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 would 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 counsel 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 have feared that the power of the land would 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 jaw. 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.




Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Sibling's Day

By
Shakti always had a very strict sibling equation with Pratap. Though they were only two years apart, the siblings had very different tastes and preferences. For Shakti,  Pratap's disciplined and well-planned life looked like he was missing out on a lot of things. He sometimes didn't even approve of how impulsive Pratap was when he was emotional. Shakti, on the other hand, prioritised experiences over plans. He never found a need to feel deeply for anything the way Pratap did, and over the years, mostly in  Pratap's absence from the family, he had managed to find a way with his parents. But he didn't really have any other elder sibling figure. All his cousins' sisters were close to him and younger. But with Ajabdeh, he had developed this very strong connection over the past few weeks. As a child, Shakti's playmate in the house used to be Sajja, while his father worked, his mother ran NGOs, and Pratap was always found with his head in a book. Ajabdeh was up for an...
Read More

The Adventure of PI Ved: The Case in London

By
There is something funny about the phrase “as dead as a doornail.” Why? Because I am dead and I don’t look like a nail of any sort. I lie on my living room carpet, hands stretched out, the knife stuck to my back...such a backstabber. I hated them all my life! And what is the purpose of killing me? It is not like I would have lived much longer, I was eighty-five, for God’s sake! I lay here, the blood turning thick as I stared at the painting on the wall. It is such a hideous painting. I bought it for so much money, I was duped. I am waiting for the morning when my caregiver arrives to discover me on the floor. But I feel they are still around, looking for something. Searching every room.  It is around 7 AM that she rings the bell. She bangs the door. She yells out, “Mr Smith!” Oh no, she is going back. Come back here, you fool! The criminal must still be upstairs. I hear them come down the wooden staircase and exit from the back door. Now the useless caregiver lady is back. Oh, she ...
Read More

AAYA TERE DAR PAR DEEWANA

By
Pratap was outside the gates of Meera Girls College in Udaipur by the next afternoon, unsure of whether to go in and ask for her. He spotted a few girls walking out, and one of them kept staring at him suspiciously before approaching him. He stood in his spot, still awkward as she asked, “Aren’t you that ASI guy that Roshni met?” “I… what?” Pratap narrowed his eyes “I am sorry, I don’t remember you.” “I am Mahek.” The girl waved her hand and smiled, “I was with her at Chawand.” “Oh, I see.” Pratap sighed. “I found some information that might help her …err… project.” He stopped at Mahek’s suspicious frown. “So I thought…” “You came all the way here to give her some information about her project?” Pratap cursed himself inwardly. Indeed, that sounded lame when she repeated it. “Why didn’t you call her?” “I…” He cleared his throat “I lost her number, so… I was hoping that she would be interested in an on-field internship…” “Oh, wait, I will give you her number. But she isn’t here, and I do...
Read More

Purnota: Epilogue

By
“Hello?” Saudamini’s voice was heard on the other end of the telephone as Aniruddha breathed in. “Mini, this is Aniruddha.” “Oh, Ani, how are you? How is Bondita?” Her voice changed from doubtful to excited. Aniruddha was standing by the couch in the living room with a phone book on the coffee table and a sheet of paper with a guest list in his hand. The mention of Bondita made him involuntarily eye the visible corridor to the dining area, where he could hear her voice, instructing Koeli. Ever since the marriage, she seemed to have taken up the job of ordering everyone around the house like a true landlord, and even he was not spared from her occasional orders. That is exactly how he had landed on the couch with a phone book. “Umm… she is good. Everyone’s good. I’m calling because…” “Oh, do tell her I truly apologise for not attending the wedding. I know she was disappointed with me and thought it was some payback for her not attending mine.” An amused smile formed on Aniruddha’s lips ...
Read More

My Everything

By
Kunwar Pratap stormed into the Mahal at Gogunda amidst uncertainty and chaos. Happy faces of the chieftains and soldiers welcomed him as Rawat Chundawat, and some other chieftains stopped the ongoing Raj Tilak. A visibly scared Kunwar Jagmal looked clueless at a visibly angry Kunwar Pratap. Rani Dheerbai Bhatiyani hadn't expected Kunwar Pratap to show up, that too, despite her conveying to him his father's last wish of crowning Kunwar Jagmal. Twenty-one days after Udai Singh's death, she was finally close to a dream she had dared to dream since Jagmal was born. He was not informed about the Raj Tilak as per Dheerbai's instructions. She eyed Rawat Ji. He must have assembled the chiefs to this revolt against her son, against the dead king. No one except them knew where Kunwar Pratap was staying. It was for the safety of his family. " What are you doing, Chotima?" A disappointed voice was directed at her. She could stoop down so low? For the first time, an anger...
Read More

His Wife

By
" Where is the Kesar, Rama? And the Kalash?" Ajabdeh looked visibly displeased at the ladies who ran around. " They are at the fort gates, and nothing is ready yet!" She exclaimed. She was clad in a red lehenga and the jewellery she had inherited as the first Kunwarani of the crown prince. Little Amar ran down the hallway towards his mother. " Maasa Maasa... who is coming with Daajiraj?" His innocent question made her heart sink. " Bhanwar Ji." Sajja Bai called out to him. " Come here, I will tell you." Amar rushed to his Majhli Dadisa., " Ajabdeh." She turned at Jaivanta Bai's call. "They are here." " M... My Aarti thali..." Ajabde looked lost like never before. Jaivanta Bai held her stone-cold hands, making her stop. She patted her head and gave her a hug. The hug gave her the comfort she was looking for as her racing heart calmed down. Jaivanta Bai left her alone with her thaal. " Maa sa!" ...
Read More

Begum Sahib: Forbidden Love

By
2nd June 1634, Burhanpur. " My heart is an endowment of my beloved, the devotee and lover of his sacred shrine, a soul that enchants mine."  The Raja of Bundi had arrived at Burhanpur after a win in the war of Paranda. He had met the crown prince Dara and was honoured with a sword and elephant before he came to pay his respect to the Padishah Begum as per the norms of the court. Jahanara was writing in her room. Her maid came with the news, “Begum Sahib, the Raja of Bundi has arrived at court; he is at the Bagh to pay you his respect.” “Tell him to sit in the courtyard of my bagh, I will be there.” She had risen from her place, covered her face in the veil of her dupatta and walked to the place where he waited. “ Begum Sahib”, he had acknowledged her presence with a salutation. She returned the bow with a nod. She was sitting inside the arch while he was on the other side of the Purdah, the sun shining over his head as he took his seat on the velvet carpet th...
Read More

Happy Ending

By
Dheer had a sleepless night. Yes, she had killed the Maharani, but to seek revenge for her son. Jagmal was all she had for a dream, and Rana Pratap's first decision was to banish him. He had never been that tough with his other brothers who went with Akbar, then why him? Just because he wanted to be a king? Just because they brought a false letter and bought a few witnesses? Her son died in Ajmer, so young. And she had always blamed Ajabdeh Punwar for Rana's hard decision. After all, ever since she came as a support for Jaivanta Bai, she had been like his shield, even though creating misunderstandings didn't help Dheer Bai Bhatiyani. Ajabdeh had done the impossible, showing him the real face of his Chotima. What bothered Dheer now was whether he remembered anything, and most importantly, if she did. Dheer had turned pale at the song and smile Pratap gave, but if he knew she had killed Ajabdeh, it meant Survi remembered her walking to a dying Ajabdeh and confessing that ...
Read More

Queen of the Heart

By
Kunwar Pratap was in the Dangal Sthal practising his moves. Ajabdeh decided it was fair to know his strength before she summoned him. Sword in hand, in a white female warrior attire with only her face visible, she hid behind one of the large watchtowers of the Dangal, watching him move. She heard Rawatji say, "Your left hand is still weaker than the right one with the moves. Both should be perfect." A smile curved her lips. Knowing an opponent's weakness always helps, which is one rule of war she always remembered.   Kunwar Pratap swung his sword with his left hand and turned around. He could sense someone watching; his sixth sense was never wrong. He looked around. Ajabdeh again peeped at the grounds to see that it was empty. He had left. She walked towards the empty ground, sword in hand. Suddenly, the cold blade of a sword was felt on her neck. She stopped still. " So someone was spying on me." His voice had a hint of taunt. " No, I was ... walking by......
Read More

Purnota: Chapter Forty Five

By
Aniruddha stared at the clock on his chamber wall for the third time and verified its working condition by checking it with his watch. He had asked Bondita to come to his chambers at six. It was almost six-ten and there was no sign of her. The peon he had sent to call her in had also left. He wondered if she had gone home earlier than usual. But then would she not have informed him? He eyed the partnership deed he had prepared to be signed, going through the terms one last time before he decided to go downstairs and see where she was for himself. As soon as Aniruddha got up, taking the coat from behind his chair to go, gathering the paperwork of the deed, a knock resonated on the door as he straightened his glasses and found his most professional voice to ask her to come in. Bondita looked a little breathless as though she had run up the stairs and apologised in a hurry, “Sorry, sorry… Meghna had some issues with her computer.” “There is a tech guy for that.” He narrowed his brows slig...
Read More