The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women'
I can describe some of the features of Mehr al-Nesā's early life.
The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women'
I can describe some of the features of Mehr al-Nesā's early life.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Mehr al-Nesā was born in Kandahar, part of the mighty Mughal Empire in what is now Afghanistan.
- Her name meant 'sun among women', but she would later have a new name, Nūr Jahān.
- Her parents were running away from another country where they had been treated badly.
- A story is told about Mehr al-Nesā during this time; that on their journey her parents abandoned her in the desert.
- Feeling awful about what they had done, they returned to find their daughter sitting calmly next to a dangerous snake.
Keywords
Mughal Empire - the Mughal Empire was a Muslim empire that ruled most of India
Legend - a legend is a traditional story that might not always be true
Common misconception
Pupils may think Mehr al-Nesā sitting next to a snake is completely true.
Explain to the pupils that Mehr al-Nesā's early life is still unknown. There are only legends about her story. A legend is a traditional story that might not always be true.
To help you plan your year 2 history lesson on: The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 2 history lesson on: The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 1 history lessons from the Ruling and religion unit, dive into the full secondary history curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of upsetting content
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
- Depiction or discussion of nudity
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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