There were many queens and princesses in the Mughal Empire, but among those whose names are still taken even today, Ara Begum comes first. Despite being the elder daughter of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal, her identity was not just that of a princess. She was known for her deep hold in all three areas: power, culture and society. She got the status of Badshah Begum, which was a matter of great honor for any Mughal woman. Born on 23 March 1614 AD, Jahan Ara was the eldest child of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite Begum Mumtaz Mahal. Jahan Ara, daughter of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, was born on 23 March 1614 AD. When Ara was just 14 years old, she used to get pocket money of Rs 6 lakh per year, which would exceed Rs 1000 crore in today’s terms.
According to Abdus Samad Khan, Director of Archeology Department in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, she reached Peshawar for the first time in the year 1638. This was the time when this city was considered a major center for trade routes coming from Central Asia. There was a crowd of travelers and business convoys, but the arrangements for accommodation and security were very weak. Where Ara saw the situation and understood that there is a great need for a better and safer place here, where people coming from far and wide can stay comfortably. Where Ara decided to build a huge and safe inn in Gor Gathri, the old fort of Peshawar. This building was built from 1638 to 1641 and after completion it was called Sarai Jahan Begum.
princess’s thoughts
It is said about Ara Begum that she had equal interest in both governance and public service. In Delhi and Agra, he took the responsibility of looking after many mosques and public places. Understanding the needs of the people, he created Waqf and spent a large part of the income on the poor and needy. Her initiatives show that she was not limited to palace politics only but was also active in social welfare.
Also read: ‘I am just a sleeping partner…’, the first statement of the co-owner of Goa club on the fire incident