Salima Sultan Begum, Empress of the Mughal Empire (b. 1539)

Salima Sultan Begum (February 23, 1539 – January 2, 1613) held a distinguished position within the formidable Mughal Empire, serving as the third wife and notably, one of the three principal consorts of the revered Mughal Emperor Akbar. Her lineage was equally prestigious; she was a granddaughter of Babur, the visionary founder of the Mughal dynasty in India, underscoring her deep roots within the imperial family.

Early Life and Strategic Marriages

Born into the heart of the Mughal aristocracy, Salima Sultan Begum was the daughter of Gulrukh Begum, who was Emperor Akbar's paternal aunt, and her husband, Nuruddin Muhammad Mirza, the esteemed Viceroy of Kannauj. Her marital journey began with a significant political alliance: she was initially betrothed to Bairam Khan, Emperor Akbar's influential regent and a pivotal figure in the early consolidation of the Mughal Empire. This arrangement was orchestrated by her maternal uncle, Emperor Humayun, as a profound recognition and reward for Bairam Khan's unparalleled loyalty and crucial services, particularly his role in restoring Humayun to the throne after years of exile. The union, solemnized in 1557, saw a considerable age difference of approximately forty years between Salima and Bairam Khan. Their marriage took place shortly after Akbar ascended as the third Mughal emperor following Humayun's passing. However, this union was tragically short-lived, lasting only three years and producing no children. Bairam Khan was assassinated in 1561 by a band of Afghans near Patan, Gujarat, during his pilgrimage to Mecca, a demise often attributed to a personal vendetta. Following this unfortunate event, Salima was subsequently married to her first cousin, Emperor Akbar. Despite two marriages, she remained childless, yet she embraced a maternal role by raising Akbar's second son, Prince Murad Mirza, during his formative years.

Influence and Intellectual Prowess in the Mughal Court

Salima Sultan Begum transcended the typical role of a royal consort, emerging as a senior-ranking wife within Emperor Akbar's harem. This elevated status afforded her considerable influence over her husband, Emperor Akbar, and later, his son and successor, Prince Salim (who would become Emperor Jahangir). Her stature was such that, as noted by the esteemed historian Henry Beveridge, she was entrusted with the significant responsibility of overseeing the Muslim harem of Akbar, a position that demanded immense administrative skill and diplomatic acumen. Her political clout extended beyond domestic matters, as she wielded major influence within the Mughal court throughout Akbar's extensive reign and continued to do so during Jahangir's succession. Perhaps one of the most notable instances of her political intervention occurred during Prince Jahangir's rebellion against his father, Akbar, in the early 17th century. Salima Sultan Begum played a crucial role as a mediator, traveling to Allahabad to negotiate a reconciliation between the estranged father and son, demonstrating her profound diplomatic capabilities and the respect she commanded from both emperors. Beyond her political acumen, Salima was celebrated for her intellectual pursuits. She was renowned as an avid reader and a talented poet, penning verses under the pen name 'Makhfi', which translates to 'Hidden One'. This pseudonym was later famously adopted by another prominent Mughal princess and poet, Zeb-un-Nissa. Her profound wisdom earned her the esteemed title of 'Khadija-uz-Zamani', meaning 'Khadija of the Age'. This honorific likened her to Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of Prophet Muhammad, revered in Islamic tradition for her intelligence, moral integrity, and unwavering support, thereby highlighting Salima's own esteemed character and sagacity within the Mughal Empire.

Who was Salima Sultan Begum's family?
Salima Sultan Begum was the granddaughter of Babur, the founder of the Mughal Empire. Her father was Nuruddin Muhammad Mirza, the Viceroy of Kannauj, and her mother was Gulrukh Begum, who was Emperor Akbar's paternal aunt.
What was Salima Sultan Begum's relationship with Emperor Akbar?
Salima Sultan Begum was Emperor Akbar's third wife and one of his three chief consorts. She was also his first cousin, having married him after the death of her first husband, Bairam Khan.
Did Salima Sultan Begum have any children?
Salima Sultan Begum remained childless through both her marriages to Bairam Khan and Emperor Akbar. However, she took on the maternal role of raising Emperor Akbar's second son, Prince Murad Mirza, during his early years.
What was Salima Sultan Begum's political influence?
Salima Sultan Begum was a senior-ranking wife with significant political influence in the Mughal court. She was entrusted with managing the Muslim harem and famously mediated between Emperor Akbar and his rebellious son, Prince Jahangir, playing a crucial role in their reconciliation.
What does the title 'Khadija-uz-Zamani' mean and why was it given to Salima Sultan Begum?
'Khadija-uz-Zamani' translates to 'Khadija of the Age'. This title was bestowed upon Salima Sultan Begum in recognition of her profound wisdom, intelligence, and respected character, likening her to Khadija bint Khuwaylid, a revered figure in Islamic history known for her sagacity.