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NADIRA BEGUM
The tomb of Nadira Begum is in the compound of the mausoleum of Hazrat
Mianmir. It is built in the form of a Baradari. The baradari originally
stood in the midst of a large tank, and was reached by a bridge of masonry
supported by arches. There were fine gateways giving access to the mausoleum.
There were pavilions on each corner of the tank. It was a splendid edifice
built of marble. The mausoleum was deprived of its embellishment by the
Sikhs.
 
According to Syed Muhammad Latif, Nadira Begum was a daughter
of Shah Jahan who attended on Hazrat Mian Mir since her childhood. According
to legend when she was eleven she attracted the attention of the saint
who said “Child you are now growing up and should no longer appear
in public”. The sensitive girl took this to heart and prayed for
death. That very night she died. The story in pure fiction, and is not
based on historic fact.
Research has shown that Shah Jahan had no daughter by the name
of Nadira Begum. Hazrat Mian Mir lived a secluded life and there was no
occasion for a royal princess residing in the hospice of the saint. Nadira
Begum was actually the wife of Dara Shikch. She was the daughter of Shahzada
Parwez. When Aurangzbeg captured the throne, and Dara Shikoh took to flight,
Nadira Begum accompanied him. She died while Dara Shikoh was in Sind.
He sent the dead body of Nadira Begum to Lahore for burial in the mausoleum
of Hazrat Mian Mir.
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