Understanding the Mughal Empire from the Unusual Perspective of Jahanara Begum

by Derek Dwight Anderson

This volume in a series of world history case studies celebrates the life of the Mughal princess Jahanara—a woman who challenges Western stereotypes of Muslim women. Once bestowed the honorary title “king of queens,” Jahanara commanded significant power in the Mughal court, serving as mediator, confidant, benefactor and visionary. A noted poet, a deft businesswoman, and a devoted Sufi, Jahanara combined practically with spirituality, thereby providing us with a unique window for understanding politics, economics, and religious conflicts mid-seventeenth century India. Her relationships with key family members, including Shah Jahan, Dara Shikoh, and Aurangzeb, receive special attention, thereby also illuminating seventeenth century India in a non-traditional way.

This book is a volume in the Understanding World History Through Biography series.

39 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2022

About the author

Derek Dwight Anderson is an independent high school history teacher and librarian with almost 40 years of teaching experience. He is also a dedicated world traveler who loves museums, large and small. Improbable Voices is Anderson's first book and represents the cumulative integration of his professional and personal interests.

Anderson holds a B.A. from Bates College and a Master of Library and Information Science from San José State University. He also studied at the University of Edinburgh. A senior full time faculty member at Marin Academy in San Rafael, California, Anderson lives with his partner in Sausalito. He is currently teaching an interdisciplinary world history course that integrates history, art history, and studio art.