| In support and continuation of the @Globe_trotter_Ish initiative Let’s empower Women-Owned Businesses on Google Maps!, I invite everyone to share historical places and monuments built by women. As part of this heritage walk story, I am highlighting Roshanaara Garden, built by Roshan Ara in 1650. |
Spanning 57 acres, Roshanara Bagh, also known as Raushanara Garden, is one of Delhi’s oldest Mughal gardens, offering a serene escape from the city’s hustle. Built in the 17th century by Roshanara Begum, the daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan, this garden was once a royal retreat and later became her final resting place.Over time, the garden has suffered neglect, with broken pathways, littering, and faded historical structures.
The Baradari in the garden is a remarkable example of architecture that reflect her legacy. Sadly, she was overlooked by her family during her lifetime, and even after her death, both the Archaeological Department and society continue to neglect her contributions.
Raushanara is buried in the middle of the Baradari she built in Raushan Bagh, near Pul Bangash metro station in Delhi. Her tomb is the only remaining structure from the garden’s original design, making it a site worth visiting.
Raushan Ara was largely neglected by her father, Shahjahan. During the Mughal war of succession, she supported her brother Aurangzeb, who, after ascending the throne, granted her the title of Padshah Begum (First Lady of the Mughal Empire). However, she did not retain this title for long, as it was both conferred and later revoked by Aurangzeb. Historians provide different accounts of the reasons behind this.
According to one story, Aurangzeb’s daughter once saw nine men in Raushan Ara’s room and asked her aunt to give some of them for her pleasure. When Raushan Ara refused, the niece exposed her to Aurangzeb, who, in his anger, stripped her of the Padshah Begum title and all other privileges. Other historians suggest that, after losing her power, she consumed poison, while some believe Aurangzeb himself poisoned her.
Her grave remains open, covered only with soil(One can see in Photograph), without any construction over it. However, she was laid to rest in the center of the Baradari she built in Raushan Bagh.
Story of a Woman by a Woman
During a heritage walk at Raushanara Garden, Yushvita, a student from Miranda House College, narrated the life and stories of Raushan Ara, making the walk engaging. Miranda House, a prestigious women’s college in Delhi, runs a Heritage Walk Society called Rahi, which organizes heritage walks in Delhi on several Sundays. These walks are primarily attended by Miranda House students, but anyone interested can join.
