Zeb-un-Nissa (1638–1702), the eldest daughter of Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, was a brilliant poetess, scholar, and patron of the arts. Known by her pen name Makhfi ("The Hidden One"), she left an indelible mark on Mughal literature despite her tragic life.
Aurangzeb deeply loved and trusted Zeb-un-Nissa in her early years. He admired her intellect, ensuring she received an exceptional education in Persian, Arabic, and Islamic theology. She memorized the Quran and was fluent in poetry, earning her father’s pride. Aurangzeb entrusted her with managing his household and even sought her counsel in courtly matters, a rare privilege for a Mughal princess.
Zeb-un-Nissa’s poetry, written under the name Makhfi, often explored themes of love, longing, and spirituality. One of her most famous verses captures her melancholic grace:
In The Blade of Safavid, I present as Zeb-un-Nissa’s daughter a young woman called Esther. I credit a Persian prince as Esther’s father. This, because I figure if Zeb-un-Nissa had a lover and a child, that love must be someone of consequence. And in the book I claim Esther to be an heir to both the Mughal and the Persian thrones. I couldn’t resist giving that Persian prince the name of Makhfi – Zeb-un-Nissa’s pen name.
I also include one of Zeb-un-Nissa’s actual poems in the book. I propose that it was written by her and given to another character in my book called Hinch. Here is that poem. I hope I do it justice.
By the Poetess Diwan-i-Makhfi. -
You with the dark curly hair and the breathtaking eyes,
your inquiring glance that leaves me undone.
Eyes that pierce and then withdraw like a blood-stained sword,
eyes with dagger lashes!
Zealots, you are mistaken—this is heaven.
Never mind those making promises of the afterlife:
join us now, righteous friends, in this intoxication.
Never mind the path to the Kaabah: sanctity resides in the heart.
Squander your life, suffer! God is right here.
Oh excruciating face! Continual light!
This is where I am thrilled, here, right here.
There is no book anywhere on the matter.
Only as soon as I see you do I understand.
If you wish to offer your beauty to God, give Zeb-un-Nissa
a taste. Awaiting the tiniest morsel, she is right here.
How could any self-respecting author resist such beautiful prose. I could write a whole book about how I fell in love with Zeb-un-Nissa but I have to remind myself that my book is not about her, it is about her daughter.
Zeb-un-Nissa’s liberal views and independent spirit eventually clashed with Aurangzeb’s orthodox rule. Around 1681, she incurred his wrath, likely due to her alleged support for her brother Akbar, who rebelled against Aurangzeb, or her poetic expressions that hinted at defiance. Some accounts suggest her romantic inclinations or sympathy for non-conformist religious ideas further strained their bond. Aurangzeb, unforgiving of disloyalty, stripped her of privileges and ordered her imprisonment.
Zeb-un-Nissa spent nearly 20 years in confinement at Salimgarh Fort in Delhi, from 1681 until her death in 1702. Isolated from the court, she continued writing poetry, her verses growing more introspective. Despite her hardships, she maintained her dignity, leaving behind a collection of poems known as Diwan-i-Makhfi. She died at 64, reportedly of illness, and was buried in Delhi’s Tees Hazari garden. Aurangzeb, though estranged, is said to have mourned her loss privately.
Historical records are inconclusive about Zeb-un-Nissa’s romantic life. Some chroniclers suggest she had a clandestine love affair, possibly with a poet or nobleman, which may have fueled Aurangzeb’s suspicions. Of course, I propose in The Blade of Safavid the clandestine love affair was with a Persian prince. Her poetry, rich with romantic imagery, hints at unfulfilled love, but no definitive evidence confirms a lover. Mughal princesses rarely married, and Zeb-un-Nissa remained unwed, her emotional world likely confined to her verses.
Zeb-un-Nissa’s life was a paradox—adored yet imprisoned, celebrated yet silenced. Her poetry endures as a testament to her resilience and talent, offering a glimpse into the heart of a princess caught between duty and desire.
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