Mariam-uz-Zamani (); ( – 19 May 1623), commonly known by the misnomer 'Jodha Bai', was the chief consort and principal Rajput empress consort as well as the favourite wife of the third Mughal emperor, Akbar. She was also the longest-serving Hindu empress of the Mughal Empire with a tenure of forty-three years (1562 –1605). Born a Rajput princess, she was married to Akbar by her father, Raja Bharmal of Amer due to political exigencies. Her marriage to Akbar led to a gradual shift in the latter's religious and social policies. She is widely regarded in modern Indian historiography as exemplifying both Akbar's and the Mughals' tolerance of religious differences and their inclusive policies within an expanding multi-ethnic and multi-religious empire. She was an extremely beautiful woman and was said to possess uncommon beauty. She was presumed to have possessed a strong, sinewy frame and was widely known for both her grace and intellect. In the words of Akbar, she's described as 'a piece of the moon'. She was a senior-ranking wife of Akbar who in the words of Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak, commanded a high rank in the imperial harem. She is stated as the favourite and an influential consort of Akbar, having a considerable influence in the matters of the court. Described as an intelligent, amiable, kind and liberal woman, she was often consulted by Akbar on important matters. She was the mother of Akbar's eldest surviving son and eventual successor, Jahangir, and grandmother of Shah Jahan. Name, Titles and Background Mariam-uz-Zamani was born in 1542 as the daughter of Raja Bharmal of Amer by his wife Rani Champavati, daughter of Rao Ganga Solanki. Her paternal grandparents were Raja Prithviraj Singh I and Apurva Devi, a daughter of Rao Lunkaran of Bikaner. Her birth name is unknown. Later historical accounts give several suggestions for her birth name. In an 18th-century genealogy of her clan (the Kachwahas) for example, she is referred to as ' Harkhan Champavati '. Other names provided by various sources include Harkha Bai, Jiya Rani, Maanmati bai, Harika bai, Hira Kunwari, Heer Kunwari, Shahi-Bai and Shahi Begum. She was bestowed an honorific Muslim name, 'Wali Nimat Begum' ( 'Blessings of God') by Akbar, in 1564, after two years of her marriage. 'Mariam-uz-Zamani' ( 'Mary/Compassionate of the Age') was a prestigious title bestowed on her by Akbar on the occasion of their son Jahangir's birth. This was the