Zeb-un-Nissa

Zeb-un-Nissa, born on February fifteenth, sixteen thirty-eight, was a remarkable Mughal princess and the eldest daughter of Emperor Aurangzeb and his chief consort, Dilras Banu Begum. Her life was marked by both privilege and tragedy, as she navigated the complexities of royal existence in the Mughal court.

As a gifted poet, Zeb-un-Nissa expressed her thoughts and emotions through her writings, adopting the pseudonym Makhfi, which translates to 'Hidden, Disguised, Concealed One.' Her poetry reflects the depth of her intellect and the richness of her experiences, capturing the essence of her inner world.

Despite her talents, Zeb-un-Nissa faced significant challenges, particularly in her later years. Imprisoned by her father for the last two decades of her life at Salimgarh Fort in Delhi, she continued to write, leaving behind a legacy that would endure beyond her confinement.

Her works were compiled posthumously into a collection known as Diwan-i-Makhfi, or 'Complete (Poetical) Works of Makhfi.' This compilation serves as a testament to her literary prowess and the enduring impact of her voice in the realm of Persian poetry.