UPPSC PCS - 2014
To whom Aurangzeb bestowed upon the title of “Sahibar-uz-Zamani” ?
Year Asked: 2014
Correct Answer
C. Jahan Ara
Detailed Explanation
The correct answer is C, Jahan Ara (Jahanara Begum), the eldest daughter of Shah Jahan. She is the Mughal princess most widely recorded with the title Sahib-uz-Zamani, meaning 'Mistress of the Age'. She also held the rank of Padshah Begum. Sources differ on who formally conferred the title, so verify the donor against your standard textbook before you write it in an answer.
Why the others fail:
- Shaista Khan was a Mughal noble and Aurangzeb's maternal uncle, who served as governor in Bengal. He held administrative office, not a princely title of this kind.
- Amin Khan does not match any title of this kind in standard Mughal histories.
- Roshan Ara was Aurangzeb's younger sister, who was known for her influence at court. She is not the holder of this title.
The core concept is Mughal court titles (mansab, honorific titles, and their conferment on royal women). This links to Mains questions on the role of women in Mughal politics and the court's patronage networks. Jahanara's patronage of the Chishti order and the Jama Masjid (Shahjahanabad) is a useful follow-up.
Trap: Aspirants see 'Aurangzeb' and the two sisters, Jahanara and Roshanara, and pick the more famous name or the one tied to Aurangzeb's court. Keep the title tied to Jahanara.
This question appeared in UPPCS 2014 GS Paper 1.
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