Jodha Bai History – Hindu Queen in Mughal Emperor

Jodha Bai History

Jodha Bai’s real name was Harkabhai. She was also known as Hira Kumwari and Mariam-uz-Zamani, born on October 1, 1542, A.D. Her father was Raja Bharmal, the ruler of Jaipur. In her childhood days, all called Hira Kumwari. She was a very clever and precious woman and married Mughal Emperor Akbar the Great in 1562 AD. After the marriage, she was referred to Jodha Begum. The marriage between Mughal Emperor Akbar and Jodha Bai was a political alliance between the king of Jaipur and the Mughal emperor. The disturbed situations between the Mughals and Rajputs ended with Jodha Bai’s marriage. Akbar was very impressed with the intellectuality of Queen Jodha Bai. Her fierce self-respect and fearless attitude gave Akbar the title of ‘Mariam-uz-Zamani. Her brother, Harika Bai, and father, Raja Bharmal, have also joined the court of Akbar.

Jodha Bai influence on Akbar:

She infused Akbar to abolish the pilgrimage tax on Hindus. He gave prominent positions to the Rajputs in his court. The marriage between Jodha Begum and Akbar profoundly impacted religious and political policies in the Mughal administration during Akbar’s rule and in later years. Akbar allowed her to worship Lord Krishna in the Harem. The liberal attitude of Akbar toward Hindus made him great all over India. All religious people also respect him as equal treatment of all sects.

Hindu Beliefs:

Akbar had a great love and respect for Queen Jodha Bai. He gave her more priority than any other woman in Herman. Jodha gave birth to Prince SaliPrince, who later became the Mughal dynasty emperor as ‘Jahangir’ after Akbar. He also adopted many Hindu beliefs and practised them in daily life. Akbar also wore the bind on his forehead and prioritised the Hindus in the court. He also married many Rajput princesses and respected everyone’s beliefs in Hinduism. The Hindu concept of Karma impacted him a lot. He gave equal priority to celebrating many Hindu festivals in his court and participated in the festival celebrations. Jodha Begum enjoyed her high position in the Mughal court and showed her power in administrative issues. She died in the year 1623 A.D.

Jodha Bai Death

After the death of Akbar, Jodha Bai lived for twenty years. At 80, her health worsened, and she died due to old age in 1622 AD. After marrying Akbar, she remained a Hindu devotee to Lord Krishna. However, she was not cremated according to Hindu rituals and was buried as per Islamic practice. Later, her son Jahangir built a grave to honour her, and the construction was made per Jodha Bai’s wish. The tomb was built near Akbar’s mausoleum in style underground and arranged with beautiful steps to lead into. After India gained Independence, the grave went into a dilapidated condition and presented the Archaeological Survey of India was appropriately repaired.