Akbar’s foster mother Maham Anga
Maham Anga’s name is recorded in Mughal history as a woman who not only raised a child, but also influenced the politics of the empire for some time. She was the foster mother of Emperor Akbar. Akbar loved her very much and respected her like his mother. Historians have counted her among the most influential women of the Mughal court.
Who was Maham Anga?
There is not much information available about when and where Maham Anga was born. But it is certain that she was related to the royal family of Humayun. When Akbar was born in 1542 in Amarkot (present-day Sindh, Pakistan), Maham Anga was made his foster mother. In the Mughal tradition, the position of a nurse mother was considered very high. She not only took care of the child but also contributed in building his personality. Maham Anga played the same role in Akbar’s childhood. Historian Abul Fazal has mentioned Maham Anga in Akbarnama as one of the people closest to Akbar.
Special relationship between Akbar and Maham Anga
Akbar was very close to Maham Anga since childhood. He considered his foster mother as a member of the family. This was the reason that when Akbar ascended the throne, Maham Anga’s influence increased. After the second battle of Panipat in the year 1556, Akbar became the ruler of Delhi. At that time he was only thirteen years old. The real reins of governance were in the hands of Bairam Khan. But, gradually Maham Anga started increasing his influence in the court. Historians believe that Maham Anga played a big role in the distance that developed in Akbar’s mind towards Bairam Khan.
Politics of removal of Bairam Khan
Bairam Khan was the most powerful person during the early reign of Akbar. He was Akbar’s protector and commander. Some courtiers were dissatisfied with his increasing power. Maham Anga was also among those who wanted to reduce the influence of Bairam Khan. He gradually convinced Akbar that he was now capable of ruling himself. In the year 1560, Akbar removed Bairam Khan from his post. After this, for some time the influence of Maham Anga and his supporters increased a lot. Historian Vincent Smith has written in his book Akbar the Great Mughal that after the departure of Bairam Khan, Maham Anga became the most influential woman in the court.
era of female-dominated rule
The time that came after the removal of Bairam Khan, some historians have been calling it a woman-dominated rule. During this period the influence of Maham Anga, Jiji Anga and some other women of the royal harem increased. Maham Anga’s opinion was considered important in many administrative appointments. However, modern historians use this term with caution, as governance was not entirely in the hands of women. Yet it is true that Maham Anga’s political influence was extraordinary.
Adam Khan gets a higher position
Maham Anga had a son, whose name was Adam Khan. Akbar considered him his milk brother. Maham Anga wanted Adam Khan to reach a high position in the Mughal Empire. Akbar also gave him many important responsibilities. During the Malwa campaign in the year 1561, Adam Khan was given the leadership of the army. He achieved success in the war, but later faced allegations of plunder and cruelty. Akbar was not happy with this behaviour. He called Adam Khan back. This incident shows that Akbar was learning to rule by rising above personal relationships.
Ataga Khan’s murder and big crisis
The most famous incident of Maham Anga’s life happened in the year 1562. Akbar gave an important administrative post to his confidant Shamsuddin Atga Khan. Adam Khan did not like this appointment. He felt that his influence was decreasing. One day Adam Khan reached the court in anger and killed Atga Khan. Akbar became angry after hearing this news. He immediately reached the spot. Abul Fazal writes that Akbar himself ordered the capture of Adam Khan. Then he was punished by being thrown down from the high wall of Agra Fort. He did not die the first time he fell, so he was thrown down again. This is considered one of the most dramatic events in Mughal history.
Son’s death and Maham Anga’s grief
Maham Anga was completely devastated by the death of Adam Khan. It is said that Akbar himself came to console him. Akbar knew that he had done justice, but he also understood the pain of his foster mother. It is written in history books that Maham Anga almost distanced himself from public life after the death of his son. His health started deteriorating due to continuous mental trauma and grief. Maham Anga also died about forty days after the death of Adam Khan. Many historians believe that the separation from his son had ended his will to live. He died on 25 June 1562. Akbar respected his memory and maintained his affection towards him.
Adam Khan’s tomb is in Delhi
Adam Khan’s tomb is situated in Mehrauli area of Delhi. It is believed that it was built in memory of the family associated with Maham Anga. This tomb is famous for its unique architecture. Local people sometimes call it Bhool-Bhulaiya. Even today, the building stands as a reminder of a chapter in Mughal history that involved a foster mother, her ambitious son and a young emperor.
Maham Anga’s legacy
Maham Anga’s life was full of contradictions. On one hand she was Akbar’s follower. On the other hand, he played an active role in court politics. He held an influential position in the early years of Akbar. But due to his son’s ambition and political conflicts, his family fell into trouble. Yet history does not see her merely as a conspiratorial woman. She was a capable, intelligent and influential personality, who set an example of women’s power in the Mughal court. His place was always special in Akbar’s life. This is the reason why his name is still counted among the important characters of Mughal history.
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