Nur Jahan

Nur Jahan (lit. ' Light of the world '; 31 May 1577 – 18 December 1645), born Mehr-un-Nissa, was the twentieth wife and chief consort of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.

More decisive and proactive than her husband, Nur Jahan is considered by certain historians to have been the real power behind the throne for more than a decade. Wielding a level of power and influence unprecedented for a Mughal empress, she was granted honours and privileges never enjoyed by any of her predecessors or successors, such as having coinage struck in her name. Her husband Jahangir had severe addictions to hunting, alcohol, and opium and he also had to contend with his frequent ill-health. Nur Jahan rose to the position of a co-sovereign due to her intellect, political skill, and ability to forge strategic alliances in the imperial court in her husband’s negligence.