The appeal of history resides in its capacity to bind us to the past and impart knowledge about the human condition. We learn about ourselves, our role in the world, and the power of our actions to influence the future via the inspirations of triumph and tragedy. The tale of Princess Zeb-un-Nissa teaches us important truths about mankind and life.
Born with a silver spoon
Aurangzeb’s daughter Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, born on the 15th of February in 1638, took her first breath within the walls of the formidable fortress of Daulatabad, presently identified as Devagiri. On this momentous day, Aurangzeb spared no expense to celebrate the birth of his beloved daughter. He even bestowed upon his darling princess a gift of 30,000 glittering gold coins as a token of his pride and affection.
Zeb-un-Nissa was the firstborn offspring of his beloved spouse, Dilras Banu Begum. Having learnt the entire Quran to memory at the tender age of three, the accomplished princess attained the esteemed status of a Hafiza, a feat accomplished by the age of seven.
Brilliance of Zeb-un-Nissa
The brilliant polymath Zeb-un-Nissa had a library that was a treasure trove of knowledge. It was filled with the knowledge of the Quran, the Hindu and Jain scriptures, the enthralling tales of Greek mythologies, Al-Biruni’s Bible’s translations and modern writings about her illustrious ancestors.
Books on a variety of topics, including law, literature, history and religion could also be found in this repository of knowledge, enlarging the minds of those who explored its depths. What an amazing collection it was, a monument to Zeb-un-Nissa’s passion for learning and her never-ending hunger for knowledge!
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The lesser known love story
The captivating personality of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj drew many admirers, but for Zeb-un-Nissa, it was more than just admiration. Her heart began to ache when a person arrived in Agra, causing a stir in the Mughal dynasty like an earthquake.
After the peace treaty in Purandar, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj came to Agra, where Aurangzeb showed off his power. Despite the challenges he faced, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj refused to accept the insult and instead chose to boycott the Mughal court. This courageous act left a deep impact on Princess Zeb-un-Nissa.
Princess Zeb-un-Nissa, who saw the spectacular attitude of Chhatrapati Shivaji, found herself drawn to his captivating personality. Her attraction was undeniable, but whether it was for respect or love remained a topic of much debate.
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