Hamida Banu Begum, a prominent figure in Mughal history, was the empress consort of the second Mughal emperor Humayun and the Mother of the legendary third Mughal emperor Akbar.
Born around 1527 to a family of Persian descent, her father, Shaik Ali Akbar Jami, was a Shia preceptor to Mughal prince Hindal Mirza. Hamida Banu’s mother, Mah Afroz Begum, married Ali Akbar Jami in Sindh. She played a crucial role in the Mughal Empire, earning titles like Mariam Makani and Padshah Begum during Akbar’s reign.
Meeting with Humanyun
Hamida Banu’s life took a significant turn when she met Humayun, then in exile, at a banquet in Alwar. Initially, she eventually agreed to marry him after persuasion from Dildar Begum, Humayun in Mughal history, leading to the birth of Akbar, who would become one of the greatest Mughal emperors.
Legacy and Death
Hamida Banu’s influence extended beyond her lifetime. She was buried at Humayun’s Tomb in Agra after her passing in August 1604. Her legacy lived on through her son Akbar, who held her in high regard. Her role as a mother and consort left a lasting impact on the Mughal Empire, shaping its future trajectory and contributing to its rich history.
In conclusion, Hamida Banu Begum’s life story is intertwined with the rise of the Mughal Empire, reflecting the complexities of power, life, and legacy in a historical context marked by intrigue and grandeur. Her journey from a young girl in Hindal Mirza’s household to the esteemed position of empress consort showcases the resilience and influence of women in shaping empires and leaving indelible marks on history.
Hamida Banu was born into a family of wrestlers in the early 1900s near Aligarh Uttar Pradesh. Despite the prevalent social norms that discouraged women from participating in sports, especially wrestling which was seen as a “masculine” pursuit, Hamida Banu was passionate about the sport from a young age.
when faced with opposition from her family regarding her wish to pursue a career in wrestling, Hamida Banu traveled from her hometown Mirzapur to Aligarh, where she trained under a wrestler called Salam Pahalwan. Banu’s remarkable strength, skill, and unwavering determination soon set her apart in the male-dominated wrestling scene.
In 1936, Hamida Banu became the first Indian woman to compete in wrestling at the international level, representing India at the Berlin Olympics. This was a groundbreaking achievement that opened doors for women wrestlers in India and inspired a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams on the spot.
Banu went on to triumph in over 300 wrestling competitions during her career in the 1940s and 1950s. She issued public challenges to male wrestlers, competing alongside them and even proposing marriage to the first man to defeat her. Her spectacular feats and larger-than-life persona earned her the nickname “Amazon of Aligarh”.
Through her sheer grit, talent, and refusal to be deterred by societal norms, Hamida Banu carved a space for herself in the male-dominated wrestling world, becoming India’s first professional female wrestler and a trailblazer for women in sports.