Dr. Amanda Foreman visits Indian locations to illustrate the rich legacy of Nur Jahan’s cultural achievements and set these in the context of unprecedented political power as a woman in Mughal society.
Nur Jahan faced huge social obstacles in the form of Purdah and Sharia law and the ingenious and subtle ways that she used to negotiate her way through them to achieve great power are unravelled.
Nur Jahan’s cultural legacy in art and architecture is also demonstrated with scenes at the Taj Mahal.
This short film is from the BBC Two series, The Ascent of Woman.
Teacher Notes
Pupils could view the piece before making a comparative study of other women in history who broke the mould of male domination. For example Elizabeth I.
Curriculum Notes
This short film is suitable for teaching history at KS3 and KS4/GCSE in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and Fourth Level and National 4 and 5 in Scotland.
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