Role played by women of the imperial household in the Mughal empire –

• There was a distinction between wives from royal families and those who were not of noble birth (Agha). The royal wives ( Begums ) had a higher status than Aghas.

• The concubines had lowest position in hierarchy but could be risen to the position of Begum or Aghas depending on the husband’s will. Apart from that there were a number of female slaves to perform different tasks.

• Since Nur Jahan, Mughal Princesses and queens began to control a significant amount of financial resources and often used to influence the emperor in many major decisions.