Author:

Sana Ahmed
Research Scholar
Aligarh Muslim University
Aligarh, Uttar Praddesh, India

Email: gg6255@myamu.ac.in

Abstract::Abstract:The historiography concerning women’s roles has historically been marginalised, most of
privileging accounts that primarily points out men’s experiences and accomplishments across various
societal spheres. The historiography of women represents a purposeful effort to interrogate these sets
narratives about women and providing innovative insights into the historical importance of women.
This paper looks at the role of Mughal Women in promoting the Hajj pilgrimage during the reign of
Emperor Akbar’s period (1556-1605). It shading light on how they managed their religious obligation
in a patriarchal society. This study investigates the contributions of Mughal women promoting the
Hajj and evaluates the degree of their success, in the reign of Akbar. The Mughal era, characterised
by steadfast religious commitment, also witnessed a notable enhancement in the authority and
empowerment of women. This development can be attributed to the support and recognition afforded
by Emperor Akbar, which permitted royal ladies of Mughal harem to sponsor pilgrims, engage in
diplomatic negotiations with foreign entities, and take on leadership roles in the organisation of Hajj
caravan. Mughal women historically undertook the Hajj pilgrimage without the accompaniment of
maḥram (husband or male guardian) and provided refuge to those who were exiled during their
pilgrimage within their harem. They had ships. They used it to transport pilgrims to Jeddah at their
own cost. This paper seeks to redefine our comprehension of Mughal history by analysing women’s
participation in both religious and secular domains.

Key Words::Akbar, Emperor, Empowerment, Hajj, Mughal, Pilgrims, Women etc.