According to historians, the birth name of Akbar’s Rajput wife was Harkhabai.
The love story related to Mughal emperor Akbar and the princess of Amer (Jaipur) is one of the most talked about stories in Indian history. But a question has been associated with this story for centuries, that is whether the real name of Akbar’s wife was Harkhabai or Jodhabai?
On the pretext of Valentine’s Week, let us find answers to questions like this confusion, beginning of love and religious conversion with the help of the pages of history.
Harkhabai-Jodhabai, why the confusion about the name?
According to historians, the birth name of Akbar’s Rajput wife was Harkhabai. She was the daughter of Raja Bharmal, the Kachwaha ruler of Amer. After marriage, according to Mughal tradition, she received the title of Mariam-uz-Zamani.
The name Jodhabai is not used in Akbar’s contemporary Persian history texts, Abul Fazal’s Ain-e-Akbari or Akbarnama. The name became popular in later times, especially through colonial period works and modern literature, plays and films.
Some historians believe that the name Jodhabai came into use due to another Rajput marriage related to Jodhpur and was gradually associated with Akbar’s wife. For this reason, even today Harkhabai and Jodhabai are considered the same.
Harkha Bai.
How did the story of Akbar-Harkha begin?
16th century India was witnessing a period of political turmoil. The Mughals were expanding and the Rajput states were faced with either conflict or compromise. Around the year 155758, King Bharmal of Amer chose the path of friendship with the Mughal court. Akbar and Harkhabai got married under this diplomatic agreement. This marriage was not just a deal of power, but with time this relationship transformed into respect, trust and emotional closeness.
Akbar not only gave Harkhabai the status of queen, but her maternal home Amer also got special respect. Rajput chieftains were given high positions in the Mughal administration. This was unprecedented at that time.
Love, respect and shared culture
Akbar is known as a generous and inquisitive ruler. His relationship with Harkha Bai also reflects this thinking. Akbar gave them complete freedom to follow their religion. A temple was built in the palace for Harkha Bai, where she used to worship regularly. Not only this, Hindu festivals, traditions and scholars also got protection during Akbar’s rule. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this marriage gave a more multicultural character to the Mughal court.
Akbar. Photo: Getty Images
Did Harkha Bai change her religion for Akbar?
This question has been the subject of most debate. According to historical evidence, Harkha Bai never accepted Islam. She remained a Hindu throughout her life and continued following her religious customs. The title of Maryam-uz-Zamani was not a proof of religious conversion, but was a royal honour. Akbar’s religious policy—Sulh-e-Kul (peace with all) was based on the idea that different faiths could co-exist in the state.
Mariam-uz-Zamani as mother
Harkha Bai was not only the wife of Akbar but also the mother of the Mughal successor Jahangir (Salim). Even during the reign of Jahangir, Maryam-uz-Zamani received special respect. She was interested in business activities and ships also ran in her name. This was extraordinary for a woman in that era.
Between history and folklore
With time, the story of Akbar-Harkhabai came out of history and became a part of folklore, novels and cinema. The elements of love, sacrifice and cultural fusion made it more exciting. However, popular stories made the name Jodhabai so popular that the real historical name Harkha Bai was often left behind. This is why even today the question arises that who was Akbar’s girlfriend, Harkha or Jodha?
Valentine’s Week and the love story of history
Valentine’s Week is a time for modern symbols of love, but history reminds us that love can be not just a personal emotion, but also a social and cultural bridge. The relationship between Akbar and Harkha Bai was a symbol of dialogue between two different traditions, religions and cultures. This story tells that true love demands not only dedication but also respect and freedom.
Whatever the confusion over the name Harkha Bai or Jodha Bai, history clearly says that Akbar’s Rajput wife gave a humane and harmonious vision to the Mughal rule. He neither changed his religion nor lost his identity. When we remember this love story, it becomes not just a romantic story, but a historical example of cultural co-existence and mutual respect.
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