Who was Mehr-un-Nisa? Explain her role during Jahangir's reign.

Mehr-un-Nisa was wife of Sher Afghan who was killed by Jahangir. After her husband's death, she married Jahangir. Jahangir made her his chief queen and gave her the tittle of 'Nur Jahan'. She was promoted to the status of 'Padshah Begum'.

Jahangir consulted her on all matters. She not only set the fashion in dress and manners at the court but also looked after the political matters in the state. Once when Jahangir fell ill for a long period, she took over the administration and became the virtual ruler of the empire. During the last 16 years of his reign, Jahangir left the entire administration in her hands. She became so powerful that even the coins were issued jointly in the name of Jahangir and Nur Jahan. She retired from court life after the death of Jahangir in 1627.