New
New
Year 2
The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women'
I can describe some of the features of Mehr al-Nesā's early life.
New
New
Year 2
The birth of Nūr Jahān, 'sun among women'
I can describe some of the features of Mehr al-Nesā's early life.
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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.
Look at a modern map to explore the extent of the Mughal Empire.
Teacher tip
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
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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Q2.
Elizabeth's reign as queen was easy.
true
Q3.
Elizabeth I was Protestant.
false
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Queen Elizabeth I ruled England alone for 25 years.
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Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
When was Mehr al-Nesā born?
40 years ago
1000 years ago
Q2.
Kandahar was part of the ...
British Empire
Roman Empire
Q3.
The Mughal Empire lasted for __________ years.
100 years
300 years
Q4.
Mehr al-Nesā's name meant ....
moon among women
stars among women
Q5.
Her family were halfway along their journey.
Q6.
Not much is known about Mehr al-Nesā’s early life.
false
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