Badass Begums

Badass Begums by Anoushka Jain shines a long-overdue spotlight on the formidable Mughal women who, from behind the purdah, wielded immense influence in shaping the political, cultural, and architectural landscape of their time. Through ten riveting portraits, Jain introduces readers to begums whose lives brimmed with ambition, romance, intrigue, and resilience—like Jahanara Begum, Shah Jahan’s favorite daughter who designed Chandni Chowk; Roshanara Begum, who conspired with Aurangzeb; Begum Samru, a tawaif-turned-ruler who led her own army; and Qudsia Begum, who built riverfront gardens amid rebellion. Blending rigorous research with warmth and storytelling, the book also includes walking tour maps of the spaces these women inhabited and curated, offering a fresh lens into Delhi’s layered history. Anoushka Jain, historian and founder of Enroute Indian History—a women-led initiative that brings heritage alive through walks and storytelling—is a graduate of Hindu College and holds a diploma in Art History from the National Museum Institute. Her work has been featured in leading publications and recognized with awards such as ‘Emerging Entrepreneur in Heritage Sector’ by Hindustan Times and ‘Most Influential Women of 2023’ by Women Listed and Her Circle. Through her writing and public speaking, Jain continues to make history accessible and engaging for diverse audiences.