21 Facts About Roshanara Begum

Roshanara Begum was a partisan of her younger brother, Aurangzeb, and supported him during the war of succession which took place after Shah Jahan's illness in 1657.

Towards the end of her life, Roshanara was sidelined in Aurangzeb's court.

Today Roshanara Begum is best known for the Roshanara Begum Bagh, a pleasure garden located in present-day north Delhi.

The present-day Roshanara Begum Club which was constructed in the late 19th century by the British is a country club that was actually originally a part of the Roshanara Begum Bagh.

Roshanara Begum's rise to power began when she successfully foiled a plot by her father and Dara Shikoh to kill Aurangzeb.

When Roshanara Begum got wind of her father's plots, she sent a messenger to Aurangzeb, outlining their father's true intentions, and warning Aurangzeb to stay away from Delhi.

Roshanara Begum then had his bloody head wrapped in a golden turban, packaged neatly and sent to her father as a gift from Aurangzeb and her.

Roshanara Begum remained in a stupor for many days after the incident.

Roshanara Begum was appointed as a Mansabdar, a high-ranking position in the Emperor's army that was used to enforce his rule and maintain his authority, especially during his absence.

Roshanara Begum was rumored to have taken on lovers, which was not viewed well by Aurangzeb.

Roshanara Begum advised him on matters of state and accompanied him to important meetings and on several occasions spoke from behind her curtained sitting place.

Roshanara Begum even patronized the building of the Jama Masjid.

In 1662, during Aurangzeb's sudden and severe illness, Roshanara Begum took charge of him and would not allow anyone except her confidants, to see him.

Roshanara Begum even stole Aurangzeb's signet ring and forged a decree to deny his eldest son by his wife Nawab Bai any chance of succession.

When Nawab Bai learned of this and complained, Roshanara Begum became angry, seized her by the hair, and dragged her out of Aurangzeb's chamber.

Roshanara Begum had a love for gold and land, and accumulated wealth on a large scale, often by corrupt methods.

Roshanara Begum decided to stay away from politics, which was getting dangerous and uncertain.

Roshanara Begum chose to spend an esoteric life in her palace in Delhi, surrounded by a thick forest.

Roshanara Begum never married and lived in her palace till the end of her life.

Roshanara Begum died in great pain, 'swollen out like a hogshead, leaving behind her the name of great lasciviousness'.

Roshanara Begum's palace in the middle of the Roshanara garden is a reminder of the crucial role she played in the history of India.