Life and Conditions of the People of Hindustan (1200–1550 A.D.) c7.s1.32

c7.s1.32

The upper classes lived a life of adventure and insecurity which stimulated the attainment of many arts and sciences.⁴ Dewalrani, Rupamati, Padumavat, and Mira Bai are good examples of Hindu culture. It is reported by Haji Dabir that one of the reasons why Muhammad Tughluq attacked the Qarajal hills (Kumaon) was the desire to possess the women of those parts, who were famous for their accomplishments.⁵ That Sultan Raziya could occupy the throne of Delhi proves that the Muslim aristocracy and royalty did not neglect to give their daughters an excellent education and training. Under the Mughals a healthier tradition came to prevail among the Indian aristocracy. We learn from Gulbadan Begum that the ladies of the royal *haram* of the Emperor Humayun used to mix freely with their male friends and visitors. They sometimes went out in male garments, played polo, and applied themselves to music. They were also well versed in the use of pellet bow and other practical arts.¹ Comparative freedom gave Mughal women a greater sense of their dignity and honour and the mothers of the famous Mughal emperors were as great in their own sphere as their sons were in theirs.² There is almost no information about women in the lower walks of life, but probably they approximated to the standards of women higher than themselves in status. We have already referred to the fact that some of the concubines were very talented and skilled.