The Book of Jahāngīr's Fortune 5.3

5.3

Since, however, Fate had decreed that she should be the Queen of the World and the Princess of the Time, it happened that on the celebration of New Year’s Day in the sixth year of the Emperor’s reign, her appearance caught the King’s far-seeing eye, and so captivated him that he included her amongst the inmates of his select harem. Day by day her influence and dignity increased. First of all she received the title of Nur Mahal, “Light of the Harem,” but was afterwards distinguished by that of Nur Jahan Begam, “Light of the World.” All her relations and connexions were raised to honour and wealth. * * No grant of lands was conferred upon any woman except under her seal. In addition to giving her the titles that other kings bestow, the Emperor granted Nur Jahan the rights of sovereignty and government. Sometimes she would sit in the balcony of her palace, while the nobles would present themselves, and listen to her dictates. Coin was struck in her name, with this superscription: “By order of the King Jahangir, gold has a hundred splendours added to it by receiving the impression of the name of Nur Jahan, the Queen Begam.” On all farmans also receiving the Imperial signature, the name of “Nur Jahan, the Queen Begam,” was jointly attached. At last her authority reached such a pass that the King was such only in name.