Harems were quintessential part of the Mughal’s palace. Last time I went to the Akbar’s Tomb in Agra, I observed the Harem Quarter was outside the immediate premises, I have seen Harem Quarters in other Mughal palaces too like the big one in Fatehpur Sikri. But the one in Akbar’s Tomb was small and it intrigued me as to why there’s a quarter in the mausoleum? Though the panel outside the structure said it was a Harem but later was used as ‘Hunting Lodge’ by Jahangir.
And, in a quest to find out more here is what I discovered and it’s worth sharing.
‘Harem’ is derived from the Arabic word ‘haram’, which literally means sacred or forbidden / sacrosanct. Harems were separate quarters (proper living spaces) for women and the entry to these quarters was strictly prohibited for men other than the Emperor. The Emperor was the only adult male who entered the harem freely.
There has been a lot of speculation about this part of the palace as first hand information was never available to historians. The second hand information was was laden with exotic notions, whims and fancies. This was because the outside world couldn’t fathom the arrangement of having separate living area for women folk under the same ceiling. Here is more about the subject :
- Harems primarily composed of wives, female relatives, concubines, and were arranged in regard to their proximity to the Emperor.
- The Emperor’s mother and chief wife enjoyed special position. Even foster mothers were given a position of importance. The rulers followed preferential treatment.
- A large Harem was often considered testimony to King’s supremacy. Hence the more the merrier. It is believed at one time more than 5,000 women lived in Harems in Akbar’s palace (i.e. Fatehpur Sikri near Agra) however only about 300 were his official wives or concubines.
- The Harem of the Mughal Empire was guarded by Eunuchs, as well as female warriors called Urdubegis. All the harem officers would be women or eunuchs.
- Akbar was the first emperor to lay down rules for it and turn it into an institution. The harem was called Mahal and the chief officer of the harem was called Nazir-e-Mahal (in-charge of women quarters), there were daroghas (supervising officers) and other supportive staff. It was run as an administration within itself.
- The Mughal women were very well educated not just in the religious texts but arts, sciences and warfare. And, apart from wives and concubines, lot of women played role of servants and hence the number of women in Harem at any given time was huge.
The Architecture The complex was enclosed within high walls, keeping observance of purdah system (covering face with a veil) and was crafted beautifully with motifs and designs. It consisted of a central hall which was left opened to sky (known as Angan), this was done to make the Palace airy and comfortable. All the apartments were interconnected. There was only one strictly guarded entrance door to the harem.
Well, last time when I shared the pictures of magnificent Akbar’s Tomb I kept back few which showcased the peaceful premises and here they are –
The Blackbuck enjoys candid moments.
As colorful as it can get! India’s National bird – Peacock roams around freely in the premises.
May the beatific premises of Akbar’s Tomb stay as it is if not better! Since Agra gets lots of tourism because of the presence of Taj Mahal, Government is comparatively active here to ensure decent condition of all the heritage monuments.
Sometimes, as I visit these places and write about them, I go back in time, can’t refrain from visualizing how things must be back then, what was it’s like to stay in gigantic palaces and live a King’s life. Decades back the same part of Earth I’m standing on witnessed historic events. It’s so absorbing!!
Have you ever experienced that feeling ?
This is absolutely fascinating, the place beyond beautiful but the history of the harem is amazing. I have learned so much sitting here in these few moments. I am like you, when I visit historic places I find myself feeling as though I am there, in the moment of the heyday. I think that is a feeling to be treasured. I am so thankful that I have you in my life in some way
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Your last line makes me go Aww 😊😊😇…. The history is just so engaging around these magnificent monuments that the more you discover more you want to know. I’m just happy and feel honored that the stories I share find a place in your heart 💛💛 And, I strongly believe miles apart but there’s a connection between me and YOU… Have a great day Osyth.
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Very informative post and lovely pics 👍
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Thank you Deepika ☺️☺️
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Wow ! This is really amazing, these beautiful photos speak a lot !!
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Thank you Megala ☺️So glad that you like them.
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Oh I feel this all the time. Those big palaces, the verandas. Those big walls.
Loved all the pictures.
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☺️ Thank you!! I think it’s hard not to imagine the experience of staying in big palaces… ☺️
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Absolutely.
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Breathtaking pictures and never knew such historical facts of the harem and what beautiful palaces. Yes one can sure imagine what it must have been in those days. Great post, thanks for the share.
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Thank you so much ☺️☺️ I agree the history surrounding every little thing about Mughals is interesting. You are know, since I have been doing a lot of research on the subject I lately found that the current descendants are leading a miserable Life, a dynasty that ruled the Nation once is now struggling to lead a common man’s Life!
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Sorry for typo… Unnecessary are!
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Yes absolutely true and agree with your words.
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Historic places do indeed have a way of capturing you into their old world charm. It’s a great feeling and a special moment to be one with it. 🙂
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It sure is☺️ More so with the stories about Kings and their Queens! In India, most of the Palaces are full of such intriguing stories that just leave behind so many questions. Thank you for your positive feedback friend.
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I love these types of stories. Very intriguing. Enjoy the weekend guys. ❤️
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Yes! I’ve experienced that feeling. It’s magical. Thanks for the cool post. The outrageous craftsmanship is absolutely divine. Your historical facts were very interesting. My favorite part was “..5,000 women lived in Harems in Akbar’s palace (i.e. Fatehpur Sikri near Agra) however only about 300 were his official wives or concubines.” I can’t even wrap my brain around that! 😆 And peacocks!!!! That was one of my favorite parts of visiting India. The peacocks (and monkeys!!!) everywhere! Just lovely. Cheers! 🙂
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Thanks for appreciating 😇.
That part blew my mind too, I just couldn’t understand, 5000 is a big number.!! 300 wives and concubines is no less 😅 Imagine even after having so many wives the had sex slaves to keep them entertained all the time. Actually this is the reason why Harems were looked down upon by Europeans and others. They assumed it was primarily for pleasure of the Emperor while in reality it was much more.
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When did you visit India? Do you plan to come again?
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I was there 5 years ago for a couple of months. It was absolutely amazing!!! I have no plans for any travel in the near future….but as soon as we are able we have so many places we would like to go! I would love to return to India someday!!!
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Thank for throwing some light on the mysterious world of harems of past emperors! I found the derivation of the word harem from the Arabic haram very interesting. The pictures as always are superb.
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Thank you Peter.. Hope you are doing great. I’m glad with my stories and posts I’m able to throw light on such subject. ☺️☺️
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Quite wonderful!
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Thank you!! ☺️☺️
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Very interesting and informative!
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Thank you so much!! ☺️☺️
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Your knowledge is so impressive! The buildings are so stunning. Wonderful architecture.
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Thank you Caroline ☺️ Just a humble attempt to highlight the beauty in heritage.
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Lovely summary of a beautiful slice of (very rich and diverse) Indian architecture
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Thank you Lalitha ☺️☺️ there’s a post I did on Akbar’s Tomb lately and covered history of Mughals in detail. That post is my favorite, this monument and post is humble extension of that post.
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Excellent photographs and fascinating, informative history. Although we don’t have as much as you, our historic buildings do engender the feelings you describe. I also have that when thinking about what pioneers of inventions would make of life today, e.g. what would Fox Talbot think about your photography equipment
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Thank you so much for those encouraging words. That is a fresh perspective, to imagine what would pioneers from the past think about our lives today. I wish I had a Time Machine 🙂 would love to go back and observe :).
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🙂
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nice…
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Interesting history and beautiful architecture.
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Can’t take my eyes off.Such beauty, such traditions❣There’s so much to discover in India.Great post.
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Very informative.. your writing keeps readers engaged
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Thank you so much. I’m glad you think so.
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Harems are a fascinating aspect of Muslim Empires!
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Indeed they are!! So much mystery surrounds them…i can’t stop imagining the era.
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A good account of the facts you have described.
Thanks for sharing
Regards 💞🎶🌷
Shiva
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Thank you Shiva, glad you found it interesting.
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Such an interesting article. Loved the detailing.
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