Mariam-uz-Zamani

Mariam-uz-Zamani (lit. 'Mary/Compassionate of the Age'; c. 1542 – 19 May 1623), commonly known by the misnomer Jodha Bai, was the chief consort, principal Hindu wife and the favourite wife of the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. She was also the longest-serving Hindu empress of the Mughal Empire with a tenure of forty-three years (1562–1605).

Born as a Rajput princess, she was married to Akbar by her father, Raja Bharmal of Amer due to political exigencies. Her marriage to Akbar led to a gradual shift in the latter's religious and social policies. She is widely regarded in modern Indian historiography as exemplifying both Akbar's tolerance of religious differences and their inclusive policies within an expanding multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire. She was said to possess uncommon beauty and was widely known for both her grace and intellect. She occupied an important place in Akbar's harem and was senior-ranking wife of Akbar who in the words of Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, commanded a high rank in the imperial harem.

Mariam-uz-Zamani is described as an intellectual, amiable, kind and auspicious woman who held many privileges during her time as empress consort and queen mother of the Mughal Empire. She was the favourite and an influential consort of Akbar who had substantial personal wealth and was regarded as one of the wealthiest women of her time. She is regarded as the most prodigious woman trader of the Mughal empire who helped chart the role of Mughal women in the newly expanding business of foreign trade. She was the mother of Akbar's eldest surviving son and eventual successor, Jahangir, and the grandmother of Shah Jahan.