Mahd e Olia, an Ambiguous Character

Nilufar Kasra

Daughter of Mohammad Qassem Khan Qajar, granddaughter of Soleiman Khan Etezadodowleh, and a cousin to Agha Mohammad Khan Qajar, Malek Jahan Khanom is a famous lady in Iranian contemporary history who enjoyed great power and influence at her time. She was born in 1805 and married to Mohammad Mirza, the elder son of the crown prince, Abbas Mirza in 1821, when she was only sixteen. She brought her two children, Nasseraddin Mirza and Ezzatoddowleh. When she gave birth to her son, she was entitled Mahdeolia taken from the Safavid court. Following the death of his husband she managed tactfully to control the affairs of the country for about forty days when his son arrived at Tehran. After his son’s enthronement, she established a court for herself. Unfortunately, the negative image of this woman is so prevalent in Iran’s history that all her hostile and power seeking attitudes had been the topic of researches on her. However, she was one of the main pillars of strength for Nasseraddin Shah’s reign. She was a big spender and hence could gather secret news to help his son’s administration. She would help the Qajar tribe members and the court women and would give their petitions to the Shah.

Her shadow could be seen beyond the main events of Nasseri period. She was more learned than her contemporaries. She had powerful command of Persian literature and was very good in expressing her ideas. Her good grasp of language is explicit in her letters. Her letters to her son, Nasseraddin Shah is kind and polite, but to the others she exploits a commanding and strong tone.

She was inclined to religious affairs at the final years of her life. She founded a school at her father’s properties in Share Rey. She built an assemble hall for religious ceremonies of Moharram at her building. She would invite the high ranking ladies of the Harem in the fasting month of Ramadan. Some times she would recite the holy Koran herself. She paid good attention to national and religious festivals and held festivities and gave presents to the members of the Harem. The remaining documents of her debts are indicative of her activities.
https://iichs.ir/vdcd.k0f2yt0knme6y.html