The term "harem" is often closely associated with Muslim households, yet it is important to note that the practice of maintaining harems was widespread across numerous ancient Oriental societies, particularly in regions where polygamy was an accepted custom. The concept of a harem, though specific in its cultural manifestations, transcended borders and was a common feature of royal and noble households throughout history, especially in the East. One of the most famous examples is the Imperial Harem of the Ottoman Sultan, often referred to as the "seraglio" in Western discourse. This sprawling complex housed not just the wives of the Sultan, but also his mother, daughters, other female relatives, along with a multitude of servants and attendants, including eunuchs. The women living in these spaces occupied a unique position within the social and political spheres of their respective empires. However, the existence of harems was not confined to the Ottoman Empire alone. The Mughal Empire in India, which rose to prominence in the 16th century, also had its own version of the harem, where royal women wielded considerable influence and played vital roles in the cultural and political developments of the time.
The book in question aims to offer an insightful exploration of this lesser-examined aspect of medieval Indian social history by delving into the lives of women within the royal Mughal harem. It seeks to uncover the daily experiences of these women, many of whom were not only integral members of the imperial family but also active participants in the governance and cultural life of the Mughal court. Their roles went far beyond mere ornamentation or domestic duties; these women were often powerful figures in their own right, involved in diplomacy, patronage of the arts, and even the political maneuverings of the Mughal empire.
The author of this study, for reasons best known to me, insisted on my writing some sort of introduction to his very specialized enquiry. I had nothing but the most rudimentary information about this socio-historical tradition that struck roots in radical court-culture during the Mughals in India. A very substantial part of my information came from the author's article on the subject that I edited for publication in Vikramshila Journal.
But, under pressure to write even perfunctorily on the subject of which I was no specialist, I traced the roots of my awareness of the phenomenon in numerous symbols evolved around it in Persian and Urdu Sufi poetry right from Saadi, Rumi, Hafiz, Umar Khayyam to Ghalib and Momin. To me, far more significant than social or courtly paraphernalia was this tradition of symbol and imagery entrenched in centuries of mystic oracular iconography. It bears historical parallel (if not overt connection) with Romance literature all over the world-an ambivalent blend of sanctity and sensuality.
To what extent the courtly culture of the Mughals maintained this blend of sanctity and sensuality is a matter of evidence which Dr. Choudhary goes into with commendable data analysis, But since at the very outset I have set my only available perspectives, I prefer to look upon it as mutation and transformation of prehistoric foundations in matriarchy and patriarchy from prehistoric Greece, Egypt and Middle-East to India and Far-East. The evidences of this mutation as transition from Stone Age to Agriculture and from Agriculture to Civic Settlements, are deeply entrenched in gradual (sometimes violent) shift from matriarchal polyandry to patriarchal polygamy, from cyclical renewal to linear quest for control, succession, inheritance, possession and power over Kingdom, wealth, land and women-ancestral the giving way to the personal.
It should be rewarding to see it all in the larger evolving perspective that can, for example, be seen in the evolution of terms such as courtesy, courting, courtly, courteousness even and courtesan.
I offer these terms of references as a structure of historical evolution that would be both a frame for the present study as well as an open and expanding perception.
The book entitled Mughal Harem (1526-1707) written by Dr. Ravi Shankar Kr. Choudhary, based on primary and secondary sources, is useful and relevant for students and readers of History: This institution was established in India with the advent of Turks.
It remained a restricted residential place especially for royal ladies. Its security, administration and management remained only in the hands of women.
The study of book is relevant even today because political consciousness has emerged in Indian society in favour of women empowerment from political, social, educational, administration and cultural points of view.
The study of Harem may be proved as an important source for this inspiration. It was the central seat of politics, conspiracy, educational and cultural activities, Nurjahan is known as de facto ruler in the reign of Jahangir. Strict Purdah prevalent in medieval Muslim Society was boycotted by her.
It may be utilized as a source for the study of social life, food, dress, diet, ornament, decoration, rites, ritual, music, painting, dance and gardening.
The book may be fruitful for women empowerment and socio-cultural awakening for modern society. The writer has concluded that Harem reflects the status of ladies of only royalties not middle and lower classes.
Hindu (935)
Agriculture (118)
Ancient (1086)
Archaeology (753)
Architecture (563)
Art & Culture (910)
Biography (702)
Buddhist (544)
Cookery (167)
Emperor & Queen (565)
Islam (242)
Jainism (307)
Literary (896)
Mahatma Gandhi (372)
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist