Jahanara Begum: Self-representation in the Public Space

Women’s visibility in both the imperial and sacred realms under the Mughal Empire (1526-1856) was often limited to traditional roles. Yet, a cursory glance at the history of imperial Mughal women reveals active engagement in politics and a public persona that complemented the empire’s religious and...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Hussain, Ashna (Author)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Equinox Publ. [2020]
In: Journal for the academic study of religion
Year: 2020, Volume: 33, Issue: 2, Pages: 134–154
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Jahānarā, Mogulreich, Begum 1614-1680 / Islam / Woman / Publicity
IxTheo Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
BJ Islam
KBM Asia
Further subjects:B Islam
B Biography
B Mughal Empire
B Sufism
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
Volltext (doi)
Description
Summary:Women’s visibility in both the imperial and sacred realms under the Mughal Empire (1526-1856) was often limited to traditional roles. Yet, a cursory glance at the history of imperial Mughal women reveals active engagement in politics and a public persona that complemented the empire’s religious and political rhetoric. One such woman was Jahanara Begum (1614-1681), a Mughal princess whose imperial influence was distinct to that of her female predecessors. Her biographical treatise, Risalai-Sahibiyyah, highlights the intersection between the socio-political and spiritual through a Sufistic centred approach. By publicly presenting herself through traditional modes of representation, Jahanara was able to exercise her agency through the appropriation of those modes. Subsequently, Jahanara’s agency in her religious persona lends to a better understanding of women’s navigation of religious expression.
ISSN:2047-7058
Contains:Enthalten in: Journal for the academic study of religion
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1558/jasr.42388