A History of Agriculture in India v2.c81.s4: Otto of Roses

v2.c81.s4.1

The mother of Nur Jahan is credited with the discovery of otto of roses. How this discovery was made by accident is thus described by Jahangir. 'This' itr is a discovery which was made during my reign through the efforts of the mother of Nur-Jahan Begam. When she was making rose-water a scum formed on the surface of the dishes into which the hot rose-water was poured from the jugs. She collected this scum little by little; when much rose-water was obtained a sensible portion of the scum was collected. It is of such strength in perfume that if one drop be rubbed on the palm of the hand it scents a whole assembly, and it appears as if many red rosebuds had bloomed at once. There is no other scent of equal excellence to it. It restores hearts that have gone and brings back withered souls. In reward for that invention I presented a string of pearls to the inventress. Salima Sultan Begam was present, and she gave this oil the name of itr-i-Jahangiri.'