The distinct features of the imperial household of the Mughal Empire –

• Household of Mughal emperors consisted of their wives, concubines, his mother, sisters, daughters, aunts, foster mothers, female slaves etc.

• ‘Harem' was the term used for a Mughal household, the word comes from Persian word haram which means a sacred place. Khwajaseras (eunuchs) were appointed to help and guard the ladies of the harem.

• There was a clear distinction between wives from noble and aristocratic backgrounds(begum) and other wives who were not noble by birth (agha). Concubines (aghacha) were the lowest in the hierarchy but received monthly allowances and gifts according to their status. The agha and aghachas could rise to the position of a begum depending on the husband’s will.

• Apart from wives, there were numerous female and eunuch slaves to perform a type of work.