Jahanara Begum: The Mughal princess who designed Chandni Chowk
Jahanara Begum: The Mughal princess who designed Chandni Chowk Early life The eldest child of Emperor Shah Jahan and his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Jahanara was born in Ajmer on 23rd March 1614. Growing up in one of the richest and most splendid empires in the world, the young princess spent her childhood in opulent palaces, humming with family feuds, battle intrigues, royal bequests and harem politics. She was taught by many tutors, including Mumtaz Mahal’s secretary, Sati-un Nissa, who was known for her knowledge of the Qur’an and Persian literature. She was often found playing chess with her father Shah Jahan. Jahanara was her father’s preferred child and he bestowed upon her titles such as ‘Begum Sahib’. She was allowed to live in her own palace, outside the confines of Agra Fort . French traveler François Bernier wrote: “Shah Jahan reposed unbounded confidence in his favorite child; she watched over his safety, and so cautiously observant, that no dish was permitted ...