What was the women status in the Great Mughal Era?
First of all, let me clear this research I taken from the Book of Dev tiwari, Indian PhD, holder and researcher at Women status in great Mughal era.
Introduction:
The role of women in India has experienced a dynamic ebb and flow, acting as both a ‘loss and gain’ enterprise throughout history. This book, reviewed by Doleh Usman, a Gender Studies graduate inspired by the work, delves into the intricate narrative of women’s contributions to literature during the Islamic rule in India, particularly focusing on the Sultanate and Mughal periods. Despite the relatively lower societal status, this epoch witnessed remarkable literary endeavors by women. The exploration begins by analyzing the status of women during the Islamic rule in India and their involvement in the Mughal domain, paving the way for an in-depth exploration of their noteworthy literary contributions.
About the Author:
Dev Tiwari, a distinguished PhD researcher in the Department of Persian Studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India, is the insightful author of this work. Specializing in Persian literature and enamored with unraveling the history of the Great Mughals, he extends his exploration to include the nuanced status of women during the Mughal period. Doleh Usman, a Gender Studies graduate, was inspired by Tiwari’s work and had the opportunity to review this article from various sources.
Keywords: Mughal period, Persian literature, Women in Persian, Female Education
Status of Women in the Islamic Rule: The medieval period witnessed a poignant decline in the status of women, marked by societal practices such as female infanticide, child marriage, Purdah, Jauhar, and Sati. These social ills cast a shadow on the development and standing of women, painting a challenging backdrop against which their literary contributions would later emerge.
Women’s Participation in the Mughal Sphere: Despite societal constraints, women during the Mughal period found avenues to express themselves, contributing significantly to the realm of literature. This section sheds light on their resilience, creativity, and determination to overcome societal barriers.
Literary Contributions: The heart of this book lies in unraveling the literary tapestry woven by women during the Mughal period. By highlighting their poems, prose, and other literary endeavors, it aims to celebrate the often-overlooked voices that enriched Persian literature during this era.
Women’s Empowerment under Islamic Rule: The transformation of women’s status was not only discernible but remarkable during both the royal sultanate rule and, to an even greater extent, under the Mughals. In the royal courts, women were not merely recipients of education but active contributors in various domains, including administration. A standout figure in the Delhi Sultanate, Raziya Sultana, defied gender norms, ascending to the throne and ruling for a substantial four years (1236–1240 CE) before being deposed and tragically murdered. Her impactful reign was characterized by substantial support for poets and authors, coupled with a fervent campaign for gender equality. Raziya Sultana was particularly devoted to promoting women’s education, leaving an indelible mark on Persian literature through her verses.
Women’s Influence in the Persian Language: During the Sultanate dynasty, Persian (Farsi) emerged as the official administrative language, with Sikandar Lodi officially declaring it in 1514. Despite the limited contribution of women under later Sultanate rulers, the Mughals elevated Persian to its zenith of influence. Under strict Islamic laws and the Purdah system, which often restricted women from education and public life, select Muslim women in the Mughal courts defied these norms, wielding significant influence in public and administrative spheres. Noteworthy is Imam Fakhruddin Razi, a Persian and Arabic scholar who translated the Quran into Persian.
Women’s Literary Triumph in Persian Literature: Gulbadan Begum, a luminary scholar and daughter of Mughal Emperor Babur, stands as the first prominent woman scholar under Mughal rule. Her Persian-language book, enriched with Turkish elements, remains a pivotal work of the period. Another exemplar, Jahanara Begam, the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan, not only mastered Persian and the Quran under Saurh-un-Nisa but also excelled as a prodigious Persian poet, leaving an enduring legacy through her work “Monisul Arwah.” Their contributions echo through the corridors of history, challenging stereotypes and enriching the tapestry of Persian literature.
Nur Jahan (31 May 1577 -17 December 1645). Nur Jahan’s verses, also called poetry of high order, are proof enough for her talent in Persian. She was interested in collecting books and had a personal library, and purchased a Persian book titled Diwan-i-Kamran with three gold coins.
Zeb-un-Nisa (15 February 1638–26 May 1702), she was the eldest daughter of Aurangzeb, who he himself guided and literally include her verses in Persian literature and many books. Zeb-un-Nisa wrote poetry in Persian within the macaronic framework.
Empowering Women through Education in Muslim India:
The pursuit of knowledge in Muslim India was not confined solely to men; a remarkable reality amidst historical constraints. Unlike a separate educational system for girls, all educational institutions, or Madrasas, were originally intended for boys. The pervasive parda system, which restricted women from attending public institutions, led to an alternative arrangement where nearly every nobleman’s household employed a school mistress or governess. However, this educational privilege was not accessible to the general public, resulting in a less common prevalence of education among women.
In this context, the absence of parda (seclusion) for small girls allowed them to sit alongside boys in elementary schools. Their education primarily revolved around reading the Quran and grasping fundamental Islamic concepts. For many girls, attending Maktab was customary, wherein the Imam of the nearby mosque dedicated time to teach the Quran to children. This dual system, with its limitations and nuances, played a pivotal role in shaping the educational landscape for women in Muslim India, offering them a gateway to essential knowledge within the constraints of societal norms.
In my interpretation, this book serves as a beacon of awareness, shedding light on the status of women during the Mughal era. It strives to instill a sense of empowerment by imparting knowledge about their rights, encouraging them to raise their voices against gender discrimination, inequality, and various forms of harassment. Today, patriarchy appears deeply ingrained in Indian society, but a historical lens reveals a starkly different reality. Women in India have not only played significant roles but have also commanded profound respect, a stark contrast to their present conditions.
The historical narrative unveils the fluctuating conditions of women, both in socio-economic and political-religious spheres, intricately tied to the changing regimes. Despite these challenges, women showcased excellence in various domains, disproving the notion of their unsuitability for areas traditionally dominated by men. The pervasive influence of patriarchy historically hindered the holistic development of women.
Delving into the Mughal period, it becomes evident that Mughal women played pivotal roles in fostering the development of the Persian language and literature. As the Mughal rule solidified, and cultural formations gained momentum, women’s contributions in literature and the Persian language escalated. This book aims to illuminate this aspect, highlighting the transformative role women played during this era, challenging stereotypes, and contributing significantly to the cultural and literary tapestry of Mughal India.
