Seeking Jodha beyond Akbar

source- http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/HiddenHeritage/entry/seeking-jodha-beyond-akbar

Seeking Jodha beyond Akbar

Mughal harems were strange places. Once a woman stepped in, she was lost in the shadows for ever. Names were replaced by titles, religions were changed, faces were forbidden from view and over time, identities were virtually lost. This is what seems to have happened in the case of Jodha too.

Regardless of what the film Jodha Akbar' may have portrayed her as being, in reality hers was a case of yet another queen being lost in the shadow of her husband. And since the husband in the case was a larger-than-life figure like Akbar, her identity has been all the more obscure. To the extent that even her tomb is hard to find today. This tomb is situated about a kilometer away from that of Akbar, just off the main road to Delhi. Located within a compound managed by the ASI, this tomb is outwardly in a decent state but the work of vandals becomes apparent when you step inside with the area's lovebirds having scribbled their promises of unending affection all over a monument they can never appreciate. Till some years ago, this building was used to house the printing establishment of a Mission orphanage. The ASI took it over and restoration work is now in progress.There are some interesting aspects about the tomb, principally the ASI slab at the entrance which proclaims the tomb to be that of Mariam Zamani, a princess of Amber who married Akbar and later gave birth to Jahangir. In light of the controversy generated in the wake of the film, this proclamation is nothing short of sensational.Another interesting aspect of the tomb is that the building looks identical from the front and back and unlike other Mughal era structures, the back entrance is not a dummy but can be used. Also, the grave itself is underground with a flight of steps leading to it. All in all, whatever status Mariam Zamani/Jodha may have had in her lifetime, her resting place is now dignified.

Getting there: The tomb lies in Sikandra, on the Delhi-Agra highway. To get there, take a u-turn on the highway from Akbar's tomb and drive in the direction of Delhi. The tomb is about 2 kms ahead on the left of the road.

thanks for sharing..history seems interesting. .

Originally posted by: rinkyc

thanks for sharing..history seems interesting. .

Waw..thank u for this info n pics...

I love history any time 😆

thanks alot for sharing buddy 🤗
now i think people will reconize the real princess jodha & respect her more

Tfs... Y m I soo interested in history now😆