Strict Rules in Mughal Harem: Why Women Were Not Called by Their Names

Unraveling the History of Mughal Harem

The Mughal Empire, which reigned over India for around 150 years, was established in 1526 and saw its decline in 1857. The Mughals are known for their rich and complex history in India, but certain practices during their rule remain shrouded in controversy and mystery. One such practice was the establishment of the harem, a tradition started by Babar in the 15th century when he founded the Mughal Empire in India.

Early Mentions of Harems

The concept of harems dates back even before the Mughal era, with references found as early as 1299. During the Mughal period, harems were populated by many women. Notably, during Akbar’s reign, the harem housed around 5000 women. The Mughal harems were governed by stringent rules, one of which involved the names of the women. It was strictly prohibited to call the women by their actual names.

The Anonymity Rule Explained

Many stories and accounts have been written about the women in Mughal harems, offering different historical perspectives. Historians agree that a significant rule during the Mughal era was the prohibition of calling harem women by their real names. This rule was enforced with great rigor.

Reasons Behind Concealing Identities

The harem comprised women from various countries. These women were either brought as captives, chosen by the king, or purchased. To protect their true identities, they were never addressed by their real names. This practice ensured that their origins remained concealed.

Preventing Conspiracies

The women in the harem were primarily there to serve the luxuries of the kings and were the closest to the emperors. This proximity meant that if any woman were to conspire, it could pose a significant threat to the king. By not knowing the real identities of these women, it was harder for anyone to plot against the emperor. Hence, women were given different names to ensure their true identities were not revealed, reducing the risk of conspiracies.