Showing posts with the label jagat gossain
Agra Fort, 1610 Arjumand was taken aback by the sudden pull of her hand from behind the pillar as she carefully waited near one of the unfinished ramps of the fort wall. She had a veil over her face, and if she was spotted by someone, she would be ready to say she was lost. This place is supposed to be the newest addition to the Turkish Harem, with a tower and a few rooms, he’s been told. Jahangir had ordered red stones to match the rest of the fort, but Khurram suggested white marble. Jahangir was impressed by his eye for architecture and ordered special marbles from Amer and assigned him to look after the constructions while he was at Agra. However, the construction had stopped on the occasion of the wedding, and this back part of the harem remained secluded. Perfect for lovers. Arjumand was about to shout when Khurram placed his palm over her mouth, “Hush, it’s me, Arju!” “You scared me! And what is this, Arju?” She frowned. “Your Phuphi calls you Arju, I noticed!” Khurram smirked....
1608, Akbarabad Fort Jodha Bai sprinkled some perfume over her long braids and wrapped a jasmine garland around them. He always loves my hair. Putting Kohl in her eyes to highlight them, she placed her mang tika straight and looked at her reflection in the mirror. The emperor had decided to spend the night with her after a long time. One of her serving girls brought her a box of beetle nuts, and she checked herself in the mirror. “You look stunning, my Begum!” Her eunuch exclaimed, making her smile. “It’s time to visit the Shahenshah; he must be waiting!” Jagat Gossain made her way through the corridors towards his room, thinking of everything she needed to speak to him about tonight. Jahangir stopped at the reflection of his favourite queen at the threshold as she bowed slightly. Immediately, the smell of Jasmine and her well-recognisable perfume filled the air in his chamber. Jahangir dismissed his servants who were helping him untie his robes with the gesture of his hand. To...
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...
Winter 1605A.D. Pari Mahal, Lahore Fort “The lady Asmat Begum, the wife of Treasurer Ghiyaz Begh, is here to see you, Sultana Begum.” Rukaiya looked up at the eunuch, Rashid, who announced this, still not used to not being called the “Padshah Begum”. This new title seemed alien to her. “Send her in.” She sat up in a graceful posture, waiting for the lady to arrive. Asmat Begum and her husband had been trusted aides to the Emperor, and she needed some people by her side. She did not overlook the fact that despite the entire Turkish Harem flocking around the new soon-to-be Padshah Begum, pleasing her with gifts, this lady had come to her threshold first. Asmat Begum bowed before her before sitting on the cushion laid on the floor. “Here are some sweetmeats and perfumes for the Sultana Sahib, Asmat had pointed to the silverware covered in blue velvet. “Why congratulate me, Asmat Begum?” Rukaiya forced a smile. “Shouldn’t you take this to Mariam Ur Zamani first?” “No, my queen,...
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Last updated: February 4, 2026.
