Nur Jahan was born on a roadside as her well-to-do parents fled from Safavid Persia for the tolerant court of the Mughal emperor. Her first marriage was respectable although unremarkable, but then her husband died and she entered the imperial harem. From here, she rose through the ranks and managed to charm one of the most powerful men in the world, the emperor Jahangir. Listen as William and Anita discuss the rise of one of the most powerful women in Indian history.

**Empire Live**Empire live show tickets are ON SALE NOW!! Join Anita and William at the London Barbican 8 July 2024! Buy your tickets here or here.

Twitter: @EmpirepodukEmail: [email protected] Producer: Anouska LewisProducer: Callum HillExec Producer: Neil FearnLearn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices