Udaipuri Mahal, also known as Begum Udaipuri, was a significant figure in the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb’s life. Here are the key points about her:
1. Origin: Her exact origin is debated. She may have been from Kashmir, Udaipur, Georgia, Armenia, or Circassia. The uncertainty reflects the common practice of naming harem women after their place of origin or where they entered the imperial harem.
2. Background: Before entering Aurangzeb’s harem, she was a slave girl in Prince Dara Shikoh’s harem and had previously been a dancing girl.
3. Relationship with Aurangzeb: She was described as “the darling of Aurangzeb’s old age” and was known for her beauty, particularly her red hair. She deeply loved Aurangzeb and captivated him, causing jealousy among his other wives.
4. Motherhood: She gave birth to Prince Muhammad Kam Bakhsh on February 24, 1667.
5. Influence: Udaipuri Mahal was influential in the court. She accompanied Aurangzeb on military campaigns and influenced his decisions, including pardoning many faults of their son Kam Bakhsh.
6. Later life: She remained with Aurangzeb until his death in 1707, cultivating ties with important court eunuchs. She died in July 1707 in Gwalior, just four months after Aurangzeb’s death.
7. Personal traits: Interestingly, she was noted to be an alcoholic, which is a surprising detail given the Islamic context of the Mughal court.
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