Mariam uz-Zamani (Other names: Rukmavati Bai, Harkha Bai) was a wife of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Hira Kunwari, was the eldest daughter of Raja Bhar Mal of Amer. She was also the sister of Bhagwandas and the aunt of Man Singh I of Amber, who later became one the nine jewels (Navaratnas) in the court of Akbar
In a marriage of political alliance, Mariam uz-Zamani was married to Akbar on February 9, 1562 at Sambhar, Rajasthan, India. She was 22 days older than her husband. She became a secondary wife of Akbar after Empress Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, who was Akbar's first wife and chief consort,[2] and Empress Salima Sultan Begum, the widow of his most trusted general, Bairam Khan. As per the custom of renaming a Hindu wife, Hira Kunwari was given the title Mariam ul-Zamani ("Mary of the Age").[3] ( Contrary to what is depicted in some media, she was never Akbar's favourite nor his beloved.)
Mariam Zamani Palace, where all of Akbar's Hindu wives resided.
As, she was a Hindu Empress,she remained a devotee of lord Krishna.She gave birth to the next Mughal Emperor Jahangir and received the title of 'Mariam-uz-Zamani,which means 'Mary of the age'.At the beginnining of the marriage Mariam never loved Akbar,but Akbar beloved her from the beginning.She took part in the royal debates that were held in the DIWANE-KHAS infront of Akbar and other important ministers with other high-ranked(in harem) begums(like-Ruqaiya sultan begum,salima sultan begum,etc...).she was the most dearest and nearest begum of Akbar. Ruqaiya was also a favourite of Akbar,but as Ruqaiya was the cousin of Akbar she could not bore any child/children to her.Mariam was also the favourite of her Mother-in-law(Hamida Banu Begum) because of her politeness and brilliancy.MARIAM always respected and obeyed her.Mariam was involved in the court politics till Nur Jahan became the Empress.Mariam never lived in the Mughal Harem with other begums,Akbar built a separate palace for her.
There is a popular perception that the wife of Akbar, mother of Jahangir, was known as "Jodha Bai"
Mariam ul-Zamani died in 1623.[1] As per her last wishes, a vav or step well was constructed by Jahangir. Her tomb, built on the Tantpur road now known as in Jyoti Nagar. She was buried according to Islamic custom. The Mosque of Mariyam Zamani Begum was built by her son Nuruddin Salim Jahangir and is situated in the Walled City of Lahore, present day Pakistan, while Mariam's Tomb is situated at Agra, which was also built by Jahangir.
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