Imtiaz Mahal

Imtiaz Mahal امتیاز محل
Portrait of Lal Kunwar by Indian School of the 18th century
Empress consort of Mughal
Tenure	27 February 1712 - 12 February 1713
Born	Lal Kunwar 17th century
Died	18th century
Spouse	Jahandar Shah
Dynasty	Timurid (by marriage)
Father	Khasusiyat Khan
Religion	Islam

Imtiaz Mahal (Persian: امتیاز محل‎‎; meaning "distinguished one of the palace") better known by her birth name Lal Kunwar (Hindi: लाल कुंवर) was the Empress of the Mughal Empire as the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahandar Shah. She was a former dancing girl who exercised supreme influence over the Emperor, encouraged frivolity and pleasure which eventually led to his ignominious downfall.

Imtiaz Mahal was born as Lal Kunwar, the daughter of Khasusiyat Khan. She came from the class of people called kalawani or professional musicians. Her father was a descendant of Mian Tansen, a celebrated musician during the reign of Emperor Akbar. She had four brothers, Naimat Khan, Namdar Khan, Khanzad Khan, and Khushhal Khan.

Upon Jahandar Shah's accession, Lal Kunwar was dignified with the title of Imtiza Mahal and immense treasures, the spoils from Azim ush-shan's and Jahandar Shah's camps, were made over to her. She also came to be known as the "Singing Empress". Her whole family was ennobled, father, brother, and brothers-in-law. Her middle brother was most oppressive of all to the people. All the brothers were granted the naubat, or the right to play the music at stated intervals, and the use of kettle drums when on the march. Their titles were Naimat Khan, Namdar Khan and Khanzad Khan. Some of the finest confiscated mansions were given to them.

Gifts were shown upon Lal Kunwar and her friends. It is said that an annual allowance of two crore of Rupees (about 2,000,000 pounds sterling) was made for her household expenses, exclusive of clothes and jewels. She was allowed to display the imperial umbrella and, to march with drums beating, as if she was the Emperor in person. One writer says the days of Nur Jahan Begum were revived for her; that coins were issued in her name as they had been that of Jahangir's favourite wife. Such coins of Lal Kunwar, if ever issued, not have been found yet. Low persons, such as Zuhara, a woman who kept a vegetable stall, were promoted to high rank and received valuable jagirs.

She was a constant companion of the Emperor, and became another avenue for those seeking imperial favour. This was annoying to the vizier who lost perquisites because every job seeker had to give him a commission and presents. The vizier did not permit any of Lal Kunwar's brothers to hold posts as governorships on the ground that it would lead to discontent among the old nobles. On another occasion, Khushhal Khan, a brother of Lal Kunwar, was arrested by the order of the vizier on the charge of molesting a married woman. His property was confiscated and he was sent to the fortress prison of Samurgurh. Lal Kunwar was powerless to intervene.