What do you think?
Rate this book
Badass Begums
History rarely shines a light on the formidable Mughal begums who boldly navigated the imperial courts, brokered powerful deals, reshaped Delhi's skyline, created private spaces for women, fought battles and resisted patriarchy - all from their place behind the purdah.
In Badass Begums, Anoushka Jain introduces you to ten such Mughal-era women whose lives rippled with ambition, romance, intrigue and fierce resilience. Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter who designed Chandni Chowk and her sister, the firebrand Roshanara Begum, who schemed with Aurangzeb to take over her father's empire; the invincible Begum Samru, a tawaif-turned-ruler, who led her own army into battles; Maham Anga and Mubarak Begum, whose counsel rivalled that of chief ministers, and the resolute Qudsia Begum who built riverfront gardens only to see them battered by rebellions - these and other stories come alive in a riveting narrative and walking tour maps of the places they lived in or curated.
Based on rigorous research and written with warmth, Badass Begums is an eye-opening journey through the breathtaking legacies still hidden in the by-lanes of Delhi.
In Badass Begums, Anoushka Jain introduces you to ten such Mughal-era women whose lives rippled with ambition, romance, intrigue and fierce resilience. Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan's favourite daughter who designed Chandni Chowk and her sister, the firebrand Roshanara Begum, who schemed with Aurangzeb to take over her father's empire; the invincible Begum Samru, a tawaif-turned-ruler, who led her own army into battles; Maham Anga and Mubarak Begum, whose counsel rivalled that of chief ministers, and the resolute Qudsia Begum who built riverfront gardens only to see them battered by rebellions - these and other stories come alive in a riveting narrative and walking tour maps of the places they lived in or curated.
Based on rigorous research and written with warmth, Badass Begums is an eye-opening journey through the breathtaking legacies still hidden in the by-lanes of Delhi.
Audible Audio
Published December 26, 2025
1 person is currently reading
33 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 24, 2026
There are history books that inform, and then there are history books that correct. Badass Begums, written by Anoushka Jain, belongs firmly to the last category. It does not merely add women to an already crowded historical narrative; it actively questions why they were excluded in the first place.
This is not a book that romanticises the Mughal era, nor does it flatten these women into convenient feminist icons. Instead, it does something far more difficult and far more honest, it restores complexity. Power here is not clean. Agency is not uncomplicated. Resistance does not always look heroic. And that is precisely why Badass Begums feels so alive.
For centuries, Mughal women have existed in history textbooks as footnotes, mothers of emperors, wives in harems, sisters behind veils. The author dismantles this framework decisively. Her central argument is not shouted but steadily demonstrated, purdah was not synonymous with powerlessness. These women negotiated, commissioned, influenced, plotted, governed, and at times, ruled outright.
Figures such as Jahanara Begum, architect of Chandni Chowk, emerge not as benevolent patrons but as urban visionaries shaping Delhi’s social and commercial life. Roshanara Begum is not sanitised into a misunderstood rebel; she is shown as politically astute, ruthless when needed, and fully conscious of the stakes of imperial succession. Begum Samru defies every neat category, courtesan, military leader, ruler, forcing the reader to confront how deeply class, morality, and gender bias shape historical memory.
One of the book’s most compelling thematic interventions is its treatment of architecture as a historical language. She repeatedly returns to the idea that when women were denied chroniclers, they built instead. Gardens, sarais, marketplaces, mosques, riverfronts, these were not acts of leisure but assertions of presence.
The chapter on Qudsia Begum is especially poignant. Her riverfront gardens, battered by rebellion and neglect, become metaphors for women’s legacies themselves, grand, vulnerable, and repeatedly eroded by political upheaval. She does not mourn this loss sentimentally; she interrogates it. Who decides what is preserved? Whose monuments are allowed to decay?
A major strength of this book lies in its tonal balance. The author resists both academic stiffness and populist simplification. Her prose is accessible without being casual, warm without being indulgent. Court politics, inheritance laws, religious tensions, and colonial entanglements are explained clearly, but never spoon-fed.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The book does not merely add women to history; it reframes historical power structures.
🔸Using monuments as historical evidence is both innovative and deeply effective.
🔸The women are neither glorified nor diminished.
🔸Rigorous research presented without academic intimidation.
🔸Walking maps and visual elements make history tactile and immediate.
✒️ Areas for Improvement :
▪️Some figures feel more richly explored than others, leaving the reader wanting greater balance.
▪️A more explicit dialogue with traditional Mughal historians could have strengthened the argumentative backbone.
In conclusion, it does not claim to recover forgotten women. These women were never forgotten, they were deliberately sidelined. The author's achievement lies in refusing both nostalgia and outrage. Instead, she offers something far more powerful: recognition. This book does not shout. It stands its ground. It reminds us that women have always shaped history, not from its margins, but from within its very machinery. Their stories do not ask for permission to be remembered. They simply insist on being seen.
This is not a book that romanticises the Mughal era, nor does it flatten these women into convenient feminist icons. Instead, it does something far more difficult and far more honest, it restores complexity. Power here is not clean. Agency is not uncomplicated. Resistance does not always look heroic. And that is precisely why Badass Begums feels so alive.
For centuries, Mughal women have existed in history textbooks as footnotes, mothers of emperors, wives in harems, sisters behind veils. The author dismantles this framework decisively. Her central argument is not shouted but steadily demonstrated, purdah was not synonymous with powerlessness. These women negotiated, commissioned, influenced, plotted, governed, and at times, ruled outright.
Figures such as Jahanara Begum, architect of Chandni Chowk, emerge not as benevolent patrons but as urban visionaries shaping Delhi’s social and commercial life. Roshanara Begum is not sanitised into a misunderstood rebel; she is shown as politically astute, ruthless when needed, and fully conscious of the stakes of imperial succession. Begum Samru defies every neat category, courtesan, military leader, ruler, forcing the reader to confront how deeply class, morality, and gender bias shape historical memory.
One of the book’s most compelling thematic interventions is its treatment of architecture as a historical language. She repeatedly returns to the idea that when women were denied chroniclers, they built instead. Gardens, sarais, marketplaces, mosques, riverfronts, these were not acts of leisure but assertions of presence.
The chapter on Qudsia Begum is especially poignant. Her riverfront gardens, battered by rebellion and neglect, become metaphors for women’s legacies themselves, grand, vulnerable, and repeatedly eroded by political upheaval. She does not mourn this loss sentimentally; she interrogates it. Who decides what is preserved? Whose monuments are allowed to decay?
A major strength of this book lies in its tonal balance. The author resists both academic stiffness and populist simplification. Her prose is accessible without being casual, warm without being indulgent. Court politics, inheritance laws, religious tensions, and colonial entanglements are explained clearly, but never spoon-fed.
✍️ Strengths :
🔸The book does not merely add women to history; it reframes historical power structures.
🔸Using monuments as historical evidence is both innovative and deeply effective.
🔸The women are neither glorified nor diminished.
🔸Rigorous research presented without academic intimidation.
🔸Walking maps and visual elements make history tactile and immediate.
✒️ Areas for Improvement :
▪️Some figures feel more richly explored than others, leaving the reader wanting greater balance.
▪️A more explicit dialogue with traditional Mughal historians could have strengthened the argumentative backbone.
In conclusion, it does not claim to recover forgotten women. These women were never forgotten, they were deliberately sidelined. The author's achievement lies in refusing both nostalgia and outrage. Instead, she offers something far more powerful: recognition. This book does not shout. It stands its ground. It reminds us that women have always shaped history, not from its margins, but from within its very machinery. Their stories do not ask for permission to be remembered. They simply insist on being seen.
January 24, 2026
𝐐𝐮𝐨𝐭𝐞:
"We have discussed women with privilege and women without privilege, but then there was another set of women who had privilege but were omitted, replaced and overlooked."
𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐞𝐜𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬?
I love reading books on history, and this one felt like an inspiring and important read because the contributions of women have largely been overlooked in the Mughal era.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:
The book cover is really appealing. The illustration reflects royalty and sophistication beautifully. The title grabs attention instantly and is very smartly chosen. The book also includes several pictures that enhance the overall reading experience.
𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧:
✓ If we look at the history taught in our schools, we have read extensively about Mughal emperors, but very little about Indian kings and even less about women.
✓ This book explores the lives and contributions of eleven Mughal women, including two of Aurangzeb’s daughters.
✓ I personally feel this book is much needed because these women played a significant role in shaping the Mughal Empire despite existing in an extremely restrictive and misogynistic environment.
✓ I appreciated how the author clearly acknowledges that many accounts are based on records by foreign travellers, which may sometimes be exaggerated.
✓ Each chapter ends with an interesting fact related to the featured Mughal woman. For instance, in the case of Begum Samru, we learn about her portrayal by an Indian actress in a Netflix series.
✓ The history is presented in an engaging manner that not only brings buried stories to light but also keeps the reader hooked till the end.
✓ For me, this is one of the best books on historical women figures that I have read, and I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2026
A book full of stories about women shaping history? YES PLEASE!
Badass Begums by Anoushka Jain is the kind of history book that actually feels alive. Instead of presenting royal women as decorative figures in the background, it puts them right at the centre of power, ambition, and decision making. I found this approach so refreshing and it really shows in the way these women are written, not as mere legends or symbols, but as people with agency, flaws, and strong personalities.
The book looks at several Mughal era women who influenced politics, architecture, culture, and even warfare. You meet figures like Jahanara Begum, who shaped Delhi as we know it, and Begum Samru, who commanded an army and played power politics on her own terms. What makes the stories engaging is how they move beyond dates and achievements to show the personal risks these women took and the resistance they faced. There is intrigue, family drama, loyalty, betrayal, and survival, all woven into the narrative.
Anoushka Jain’s writing keeps things accessible without dumbing anything down. The research is solid, but it never feels like you are being lectured. Instead, it feels like listening to someone tell you stories they genuinely care about. The pacing is lively, and each chapter leaves you wanting to know more rather than feeling exhausted by information.
This book works well for readers who enjoy history but want it to feel relevant and human. If you are tired of the same old kings and battles and want to read about women who moulded history from within and outside the court, Badass Begums is a smart, engaging read that stays with you.
Badass Begums by Anoushka Jain is the kind of history book that actually feels alive. Instead of presenting royal women as decorative figures in the background, it puts them right at the centre of power, ambition, and decision making. I found this approach so refreshing and it really shows in the way these women are written, not as mere legends or symbols, but as people with agency, flaws, and strong personalities.
The book looks at several Mughal era women who influenced politics, architecture, culture, and even warfare. You meet figures like Jahanara Begum, who shaped Delhi as we know it, and Begum Samru, who commanded an army and played power politics on her own terms. What makes the stories engaging is how they move beyond dates and achievements to show the personal risks these women took and the resistance they faced. There is intrigue, family drama, loyalty, betrayal, and survival, all woven into the narrative.
Anoushka Jain’s writing keeps things accessible without dumbing anything down. The research is solid, but it never feels like you are being lectured. Instead, it feels like listening to someone tell you stories they genuinely care about. The pacing is lively, and each chapter leaves you wanting to know more rather than feeling exhausted by information.
This book works well for readers who enjoy history but want it to feel relevant and human. If you are tired of the same old kings and battles and want to read about women who moulded history from within and outside the court, Badass Begums is a smart, engaging read that stays with you.
January 16, 2026
"Badass Begums" is the sort of book that makes you feel as if you’re being introduced to real women whom you can't help but want to meet. The Begum women have had their stories relayed through the ages behind the purdahs of history. This book throws open the curtain.
There’s Jahanara Begum, who not only lived in the shadow of her father, Shah Jahan, but also got to design Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area. There's her sister, Roshanara, who was a shrewd strategist and influenced the empire's fate. There’s Begum Samru, who started out poor and even got her own army, and women like Maham Anga and Qudsia Begum, who influenced politics, gardens, and culture without being right at the forefront of everything.
The uniqueness about this book is its living quality. The author, Anoushka Jain, has the ability to make history come alive through the form of interesting stories about human beings. These women were not just names on history’s page; they were diplomats, constructors, fighters, and survivors too! The book also has maps for walking tours. So if you are ever in Delhi, you can walk through their footsteps.
If you're a history buff with a desire for more female narratives to permeate the genre, then this book will come as a delight to you. The book has research compiled into it with a certain reverence and a cast of characters so full of adventure and so painted with the attributes of intelligence and fearlessness that these are clearly values which are not bound to time and season but instead to character and strength alone.
There’s Jahanara Begum, who not only lived in the shadow of her father, Shah Jahan, but also got to design Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area. There's her sister, Roshanara, who was a shrewd strategist and influenced the empire's fate. There’s Begum Samru, who started out poor and even got her own army, and women like Maham Anga and Qudsia Begum, who influenced politics, gardens, and culture without being right at the forefront of everything.
The uniqueness about this book is its living quality. The author, Anoushka Jain, has the ability to make history come alive through the form of interesting stories about human beings. These women were not just names on history’s page; they were diplomats, constructors, fighters, and survivors too! The book also has maps for walking tours. So if you are ever in Delhi, you can walk through their footsteps.
If you're a history buff with a desire for more female narratives to permeate the genre, then this book will come as a delight to you. The book has research compiled into it with a certain reverence and a cast of characters so full of adventure and so painted with the attributes of intelligence and fearlessness that these are clearly values which are not bound to time and season but instead to character and strength alone.
January 22, 2026
A refreshing and powerful retelling of Mughal history that finally brings women out of the margins and places them firmly at the centre of power, politics and culture. Rather than portraying royal women as passive figures hidden behind purdahs, the book presents them as decision-makers, strategists, builders and survivors who actively shaped their times.
The narrative introduces readers to remarkable women such as Jahanara Begum, whose influence can still be traced in Delhi’s urban landscape, Roshanara Begum, a sharp political mind who played a decisive role in imperial politics, and Begum Samru, who rose from poverty to command her own army. Alongside them are figures like Maham Anga and Qudsia Begum, whose quieter yet impactful contributions influenced governance, architecture and cultural life. What makes these stories compelling is that they go beyond dates and achievements to reveal the risks, resistance, loyalties and betrayals these women faced.
Anoushka Jain’s writing style is engaging and accessible, making well-researched history feel alive and deeply human. The book reads less like a textbook and more like a series of vivid stories told with care and curiosity. Added elements such as maps and walking routes further connect the past to the present, inviting readers to literally walk through history.
Ideal for readers tired of king centric narratives, Badass Begums is an engaging, enlightening read that reclaims women’s rightful place in history and leaves a lasting impression.
February 3, 2026
"Badass Begums" by Anoushka Jain is a book that left me in awe, mostly because of all the information that the author has provided, but also slightly offended because of how our history books still refuse to talk about the important contributions women made for the empire to stand.
In this book, the author mainly talks about some of the important Begums from the Mughal era, whom we hardly know about, but whose contribution to shaping Delhi with monuments at that time is remarkable. Especially when you think that it was an era when women were used to being secluded—they had privilege and power, but were yet not free. Still, they managed to build gardens, serais, bazaars, stepwells, mosques, and havelis. The stories of these neglected women and their courage will intrigue you to know more.
The women we come to know about through this well-researched book are Jahanara Begum, Roshanara Begum, Begum Samru, Maham Anga, Qudsia Begum, and some others. I love the way the author introduces them: The Woman Who Built Chandni Chowk, The Power Broker, The OG Queen of Strategy, Saas and Survival, The Kingmaker, The Silent Architect, etc., which will intrigue you even more.
Lastly, the author's writing style will hook you to the book till the very end because, instead of being just an informative book, the author uses a storytelling method. So I would say, don't back out of this amazing book just because it's nonfiction. If you have even a little bit of interest in history—especially women's power in history—then just go for the book.
In this book, the author mainly talks about some of the important Begums from the Mughal era, whom we hardly know about, but whose contribution to shaping Delhi with monuments at that time is remarkable. Especially when you think that it was an era when women were used to being secluded—they had privilege and power, but were yet not free. Still, they managed to build gardens, serais, bazaars, stepwells, mosques, and havelis. The stories of these neglected women and their courage will intrigue you to know more.
The women we come to know about through this well-researched book are Jahanara Begum, Roshanara Begum, Begum Samru, Maham Anga, Qudsia Begum, and some others. I love the way the author introduces them: The Woman Who Built Chandni Chowk, The Power Broker, The OG Queen of Strategy, Saas and Survival, The Kingmaker, The Silent Architect, etc., which will intrigue you even more.
Lastly, the author's writing style will hook you to the book till the very end because, instead of being just an informative book, the author uses a storytelling method. So I would say, don't back out of this amazing book just because it's nonfiction. If you have even a little bit of interest in history—especially women's power in history—then just go for the book.
January 3, 2026
"Badass Begums" by Anoushka Jain feels like someone finally open the dusty history books and said that Mughal women weren't just sitting pretty behind veils, they have power ,shaped empires. They openly refuse to follow social rules while remaining behind purdah.
Let me walk you through a few Badass Begums that their stories literally blew my mind. The bold begums like Jahanara Begum, who designed Delhi's Chandni Chowk, and her scheming sister Roshanara Begum, who allied with Aurangzeb to seize their father's throne. Begum Samru rose from courtesan to warrior ruler, leading armies in battle, while Maham Anga and Mubarak Begum offered counsel rivaling top ministers. Qudsia Begum built stunning riverfront gardens amid rebellions, showcasing resilience.
Author mixes facts with fun tales of love,tricks,blending romance and women empowerment. Maps in the book guide you to real Delhi spots, like walking Jahanara's old haunts, making it feel alive and visitable. It's not stuffy history, it's a reminder that these begums juggled purdah, politics, and these are actual stories of women in history who lived before the internet, before there was Tik Tok and before marketing brands selling stuff in the name of women empowerment.
If you're into Indian historical fiction this gem is perfect,warm, witty, and eye-opening. Unlike dry texts, the book gives life to these Begums through relatable storytelling and literally this book gave me vibes like I was living in that era.
Let me walk you through a few Badass Begums that their stories literally blew my mind. The bold begums like Jahanara Begum, who designed Delhi's Chandni Chowk, and her scheming sister Roshanara Begum, who allied with Aurangzeb to seize their father's throne. Begum Samru rose from courtesan to warrior ruler, leading armies in battle, while Maham Anga and Mubarak Begum offered counsel rivaling top ministers. Qudsia Begum built stunning riverfront gardens amid rebellions, showcasing resilience.
Author mixes facts with fun tales of love,tricks,blending romance and women empowerment. Maps in the book guide you to real Delhi spots, like walking Jahanara's old haunts, making it feel alive and visitable. It's not stuffy history, it's a reminder that these begums juggled purdah, politics, and these are actual stories of women in history who lived before the internet, before there was Tik Tok and before marketing brands selling stuff in the name of women empowerment.
If you're into Indian historical fiction this gem is perfect,warm, witty, and eye-opening. Unlike dry texts, the book gives life to these Begums through relatable storytelling and literally this book gave me vibes like I was living in that era.
January 12, 2026
Badass Begums didn’t just teach me something, it reminded me of something I had always felt but never saw written so clearly.
.
While history loudly celebrates emperors and wars this book gently lifts the veil on the women who shaped destinies in silence. Women who didn’t always sit on thrones yet held empires together with intellect, resilience and quiet courage. Reading this felt like reclaiming lost voices.Voices that were never weak but only unheard.
.
What touched me deeply is how human these stories feel. These women weren’t mythical or unreachable. They loved, endured, planned, negotiated, protected and survived often in spaces that refused to acknowledge their power. The demonstrative pictures make their presence even more real almost as if history finally decided to look back at them with respect.
.
This is not a heavy historical book. It is informative, visual and emotionally grounding. It doesn’t overwhelm but it enlightens. Every page feels like a soft reminder that women have always been architects of history even when their names were written in the margins.
.
I loved this book because it doesn’t shout feminism but it embodies it. Calm, dignified, unapologetic.
Reading it made me proud. Proud of women. Proud of history. Proud of how far we’ve come and aware of how much was already there.
.
Some stories don’t ask to be remembered.
They simply deserve to be.
January 20, 2026
Badass Begum by Anoushka Jain delves into the lives of ten remarkable Mughal women who, despite the confines of their roles as mothers, sisters, and wives, refused to be forgotten by history. They left an indelible mark which have withstood the test of time, empires, and rulers. These women were fierce negotiators for their own freedom, challenging societal norms and expectations.
What captivates me about this book is the author's ability to bring these strong female protagonists to life, highlighting their stories in a way that feels like an intimate conversation rather than a dry historical account. These women were not only alive, but they also exemplified strength, vision, and intelligence in their pursuits.
The book is infused with elements of intrigue, family drama, loyalty, betrayal, resistance and the essence of survival, all masterfully woven into the fabric of their stories. Each woman's experience embodies strength, intelligence, ambition, and resilience, collectively challenging the stereotype that Mughal women lived.
They employed intellect, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence significantly influencing governance, culture, architecture, and social welfare that potrays the begums didn't shout for power they took power with ease by standing their ground.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as it shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Mughal women, encouraging readers to appreciate their legacy in a more profound way.
What captivates me about this book is the author's ability to bring these strong female protagonists to life, highlighting their stories in a way that feels like an intimate conversation rather than a dry historical account. These women were not only alive, but they also exemplified strength, vision, and intelligence in their pursuits.
The book is infused with elements of intrigue, family drama, loyalty, betrayal, resistance and the essence of survival, all masterfully woven into the fabric of their stories. Each woman's experience embodies strength, intelligence, ambition, and resilience, collectively challenging the stereotype that Mughal women lived.
They employed intellect, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence significantly influencing governance, culture, architecture, and social welfare that potrays the begums didn't shout for power they took power with ease by standing their ground.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, as it shines a light on the often-overlooked contributions of Mughal women, encouraging readers to appreciate their legacy in a more profound way.
January 22, 2026
'She was buried within Humayun's Tomb, alongside the man she had loved, mourned and immortalized'
I picked up this book seeing the bold title of the book at that time my curious mind wanted to know why the author has given such a bold and unique title to her book. Now, when I finished reading this book I totally understand why such title and truely the women in these stories of the book do deserve the title.
This book is a slice of history that was forgotten and lost in time. Though Mughal women faced a lot of restrictions yet they were financially and artistically independent.
In this book readers will come to know about the women who built lasting architectures such as Jahanara Begum. She was instrumental in shaping Delhi as a city. Book also covered Zeenat Mahal, who had privilege without power.
The chapters in the book talk woman herself, the architecture she built and the present condition of those buildings. The book focuses on ten such women who contributed to the city's fabric through their commissioned works.
What I liked about this book -
. This book does not rely simply on literary data, but discovers monuments built by women in the city.
. This book is an attempt to show these women as they wanted to be remembered in the pages of the history and architecture here is used as a language of communication.
This book is for all who love history, architecture and books that features women as main characters.
I picked up this book seeing the bold title of the book at that time my curious mind wanted to know why the author has given such a bold and unique title to her book. Now, when I finished reading this book I totally understand why such title and truely the women in these stories of the book do deserve the title.
This book is a slice of history that was forgotten and lost in time. Though Mughal women faced a lot of restrictions yet they were financially and artistically independent.
In this book readers will come to know about the women who built lasting architectures such as Jahanara Begum. She was instrumental in shaping Delhi as a city. Book also covered Zeenat Mahal, who had privilege without power.
The chapters in the book talk woman herself, the architecture she built and the present condition of those buildings. The book focuses on ten such women who contributed to the city's fabric through their commissioned works.
What I liked about this book -
. This book does not rely simply on literary data, but discovers monuments built by women in the city.
. This book is an attempt to show these women as they wanted to be remembered in the pages of the history and architecture here is used as a language of communication.
This book is for all who love history, architecture and books that features women as main characters.
January 29, 2026
Badass Begums uncovers the hidden stories of Mughal women who were far more than royal figures. They helped run empires, supported art and culture, made political decisions, fought battles, wrote poetry, and even built cities. Anushka Jain tells the stories of ten remarkable women like Jahanara Begum, Roshanara Begum, Begum Samru, Zeenat Mahal, and Qudsia Begum who played a powerful role in shaping history, even though their contributions were often ignored or forgotten.
What makes this book special is the way it tells its stories. It doesn’t feel like a boring history book at all. Instead, it feels like walking through old Delhi with someone who knows all the hidden stories that found in gardens, tombs, small streets, and forgotten places. The maps, short notes, and “Did You Know” facts make the book more engaging and fun to read.
The book is well-researched but still easy and pleasant to read. It shows these women not as side characters, but as strong individuals who shaped history. They made important political decisions, led armies, influenced who would rule next, and used their power with confidence, intelligence, and heart.
This book is for readers who like meaningful history, strong women’s stories, and storytelling that brings forgotten voices back to life.
A powerful, easy-to-read history book that gives Mughal women the recognition they always deserved.
What makes this book special is the way it tells its stories. It doesn’t feel like a boring history book at all. Instead, it feels like walking through old Delhi with someone who knows all the hidden stories that found in gardens, tombs, small streets, and forgotten places. The maps, short notes, and “Did You Know” facts make the book more engaging and fun to read.
The book is well-researched but still easy and pleasant to read. It shows these women not as side characters, but as strong individuals who shaped history. They made important political decisions, led armies, influenced who would rule next, and used their power with confidence, intelligence, and heart.
This book is for readers who like meaningful history, strong women’s stories, and storytelling that brings forgotten voices back to life.
A powerful, easy-to-read history book that gives Mughal women the recognition they always deserved.
January 19, 2026
BADASS BEGUMS - ANOUSHKA JAIN
We have all learnt of the Mughal Emperors how they fought and conquered empires but what about the forgotten Mughal Begums who actually boldly navigated the imperial courts, brokered powerful deals, reshaped Delhi's skyline created private spaces for women, fought battles and resisted patriarchy.
In this book author Anoushka Jain who conducts heritage walks in Delhi has exclusively selected 10 Mughal Begums who have contributed to the city of Delhi which was always the seat of power.
Each chapter talks about the desires, motives and motivation that pushed these women to build lasting architecture which makes their contribution matter.
We come to know how Jahanara Begum designed Chandni Chowk, Qudsia Begum who built riverfront gardens, Begum Samru who a tawaif became a ruler who led her own army into battles and many more stories which offer a different perspective of Mughal Empire than we already know.
With clear and vivid narration reading this was an eye opener and informative in many ways.
A perfect book to read for history buffs who want to read something different yet authentic!
We have all learnt of the Mughal Emperors how they fought and conquered empires but what about the forgotten Mughal Begums who actually boldly navigated the imperial courts, brokered powerful deals, reshaped Delhi's skyline created private spaces for women, fought battles and resisted patriarchy.
In this book author Anoushka Jain who conducts heritage walks in Delhi has exclusively selected 10 Mughal Begums who have contributed to the city of Delhi which was always the seat of power.
Each chapter talks about the desires, motives and motivation that pushed these women to build lasting architecture which makes their contribution matter.
We come to know how Jahanara Begum designed Chandni Chowk, Qudsia Begum who built riverfront gardens, Begum Samru who a tawaif became a ruler who led her own army into battles and many more stories which offer a different perspective of Mughal Empire than we already know.
With clear and vivid narration reading this was an eye opener and informative in many ways.
A perfect book to read for history buffs who want to read something different yet authentic!
January 19, 2026
Badass Begums: The Incredible Women Who Shaped Mughal India is the kind of history book that feels alive rather than locked behind glass.
Anoushka Jain pulls ten Mughal-era women out of footnotes and places them exactly where they belong at the centre of power, politics, and city-making. Instead of dusty timelines, you get ambition, intrigue, strategy, and survival, all told in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow.
What really works is how grounded the book feels.
Jain doesn’t just talk about these women she walks you through Delhi itself, turning streets, gardens, and monuments into evidence of female influence. Jahanara Begum shaping Chandni Chowk, Roshanara Begum navigating brutal succession politics, and figures like Begum Samru commanding armies all quietly dismantle the idea that Mughal history was only shaped by emperors. These women weren’t just powerful “for their time” they were powerful, full stop.
The writing is clear, warm, and narrative driven, which makes it a great entry point for readers who usually avoid history books. It feels feminist without being preachy, corrective without being dry. That said, readers looking for dense academic debate or exhaustive footnotes might find it a little light. The Delhi-centric focus is a strength in terms of cohesion, but it may leave some wishing for a broader regional spread.
Overall, Badass Begums is smart, accessible, and genuinely fun to read. It changes how you see Mughal history and how you walk through Delhi.
Anoushka Jain pulls ten Mughal-era women out of footnotes and places them exactly where they belong at the centre of power, politics, and city-making. Instead of dusty timelines, you get ambition, intrigue, strategy, and survival, all told in a way that’s engaging and easy to follow.
What really works is how grounded the book feels.
Jain doesn’t just talk about these women she walks you through Delhi itself, turning streets, gardens, and monuments into evidence of female influence. Jahanara Begum shaping Chandni Chowk, Roshanara Begum navigating brutal succession politics, and figures like Begum Samru commanding armies all quietly dismantle the idea that Mughal history was only shaped by emperors. These women weren’t just powerful “for their time” they were powerful, full stop.
The writing is clear, warm, and narrative driven, which makes it a great entry point for readers who usually avoid history books. It feels feminist without being preachy, corrective without being dry. That said, readers looking for dense academic debate or exhaustive footnotes might find it a little light. The Delhi-centric focus is a strength in terms of cohesion, but it may leave some wishing for a broader regional spread.
Overall, Badass Begums is smart, accessible, and genuinely fun to read. It changes how you see Mughal history and how you walk through Delhi.
January 23, 2026
This book is a refreshing and eye-opening read. The book introduces us to Mughal-era women who were powerful, ambitious, and deeply involved in shaping history, yet are rarely mentioned in textbooks. From Jahanara Begum, who designed Chandni Chowk, to Begum Samru, who led her own army, each story shows a side of history we are not often taught.
What I appreciated most is how the book shines a light on women who were exceptional but forgotten. It gives credit where it truly belongs and helps correct the silence around their contributions. The stories are engaging and easy to follow, and the walking maps make the history feel real and close.
Overall, this book is important because it reminds us that history has many missing voice and it shall not remain hidden. That too when they were exceptional.
What I appreciated most is how the book shines a light on women who were exceptional but forgotten. It gives credit where it truly belongs and helps correct the silence around their contributions. The stories are engaging and easy to follow, and the walking maps make the history feel real and close.
Overall, this book is important because it reminds us that history has many missing voice and it shall not remain hidden. That too when they were exceptional.
January 31, 2026
Badass Begum was a wild card entry into my 2026 reading list, thanks to my weekly encounters with Anoushka, during the heritage walks.
Learnt a lot about my favorite city, especially the structures that I used to cross almost everyday; and yet never seemed to have thought of learning about them.
Also, the role of some strong women from the Mughal era and their contribution towards shaping up the culture of Delhi, I so much adore.
My favorite line from the book:
"A city like Delhi, which in today's time is considered unsafe for women, was once built by women."
A must read for everyone, if you love the city and want to know it's history. 3 cheers to Anoushka Jain.
Learnt a lot about my favorite city, especially the structures that I used to cross almost everyday; and yet never seemed to have thought of learning about them.
Also, the role of some strong women from the Mughal era and their contribution towards shaping up the culture of Delhi, I so much adore.
My favorite line from the book:
"A city like Delhi, which in today's time is considered unsafe for women, was once built by women."
A must read for everyone, if you love the city and want to know it's history. 3 cheers to Anoushka Jain.
January 30, 2026
This book tells the true stories of the powerful women who helped rule the Mughal Empire. While history often focuses on the Kings, these women were the real bosses. They were builders, warriors, and master politicians who lived by their own rules.
The writing is simple and brings their strength to life. It shows how they led armies and designed famous cities, proving they were never just sitting in the background. They were bold, smart, and completely in control of their own lives.
It is a fast and inspiring read that changes how you look at the past.
The writing is simple and brings their strength to life. It shows how they led armies and designed famous cities, proving they were never just sitting in the background. They were bold, smart, and completely in control of their own lives.
It is a fast and inspiring read that changes how you look at the past.
February 3, 2026
This book feels like a powerful correction to the way history has been traditionally told. Instead of placing women on the sidelines of Mughal history, it brings them right to the centre, where they always belonged. The narrative introduces readers to royal women who were not just queens or daughters behind palace walls, but sharp thinkers, political strategists, patrons of art, diplomats, and decision-makers who influenced empires.
What makes this read especially engaging is the balance between research and storytelling. The author presents historical facts in a way that feels accessible and lively, making complex timelines and power dynamics easy to follow even for readers who are not deeply familiar with Mughal history. Each woman’s story carries strength, intelligence, ambition, and resilience, challenging the stereotype that Mughal women lived passive, sheltered lives.
The book also highlights how these women navigated power within restrictions, using intellect, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence rather than brute force. Their contributions to governance, culture, architecture, and social welfare are eye-opening and deeply inspiring. It’s not just a history lesson, it’s a reminder of how women have always shaped the world, even when their voices were ignored or erased.
Overall, this is a compelling, empowering read that redefines royalty, leadership, and womanhood. It leaves you with admiration, curiosity, and a strong urge to question how many more such stories remain untold.
What makes this read especially engaging is the balance between research and storytelling. The author presents historical facts in a way that feels accessible and lively, making complex timelines and power dynamics easy to follow even for readers who are not deeply familiar with Mughal history. Each woman’s story carries strength, intelligence, ambition, and resilience, challenging the stereotype that Mughal women lived passive, sheltered lives.
The book also highlights how these women navigated power within restrictions, using intellect, diplomacy, and emotional intelligence rather than brute force. Their contributions to governance, culture, architecture, and social welfare are eye-opening and deeply inspiring. It’s not just a history lesson, it’s a reminder of how women have always shaped the world, even when their voices were ignored or erased.
Overall, this is a compelling, empowering read that redefines royalty, leadership, and womanhood. It leaves you with admiration, curiosity, and a strong urge to question how many more such stories remain untold.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews