...Jalaluddin's wet nurse. She is like a mother to him.
She is also a Minister in the Mughal Court.
Remember one thing, Maham Anga has special status.
Jalal regards her above all the others.
More than me. I have been away most of the time.
She nurtured Jalal during my 15-year absence.
He may ignore my word, but never hers.
Do not be apprehensive, Princess.
This is your home!
Salima, escort the Princess to her royal chamber.
Yes, Your Majesty.
Wait! A ritual is yet to be done.
Rajput Folk Song about a New Bride
Walk this way, Empress, with your pretty coloured feet.
The wind is blowing in the wrong direction. Watch her every step!
Come, my Empress! The women's palaces, the royal harem!
This is your royal chamber. It has five sections -
The first is for meetings, the Goshay Mulaakaat!
Meet Shaak and Shurukh. They learn quickly...
...and repeat every word they hear.
This is your sleeping chamber, the Khwabgah...
...your changing room, the Toshak Khana...
...your gallery, the Jharokha and your prayer room, the Tasbih Khana!
But... you won't need the Tasbih Khana.
I will, Ni'mat. I will have my Krishna temple here.
So now we'll hear Hindu devotional songs echoing in the Mughal fort. Right?
Ni'mat!
We did hear of your conditions. You merit all praise, Empress!
Rest assured, these are the Mughals. A magnificent temple will be built.
Not magnificent. A small temple is what I desire.
Kindly pass on this message to the Emperor.
Yes, Empress!
Attention! Silence!
Let everyone know! Fold your hands!
Lower your eyes! Crown of the Mughals! Lord of his subjects!
Heir of Timor! Jewel of Babur! Son of Humayun!
Merciful Protector! Renowned in the Universe!
The Emperor of Hindustan!
Jalaluddin Mohammad, graces this court with his presence!
Long live Emperor Jalaluddin Mohammad!
Finance Minister, Todarmalji...
Your Majesty, war raises taxes and causes inflation...
...hitting the common man the hardest. War destroys the economy!
You are so right, Todarmalji!
This needs special attention.
We'll discuss it in the Diwan-E-Khas! (Private Audience Hall)
Let's proceed.
Your Majesty, we've got news that your brother-in-law...
...Sharifuddin Hussain, has taken over the governance of Ajmer.
And he did this because he is displeased...
...with your marriage to the Rajput Princess.
Silence, Adham Khan! We will speak of family quarrels in private.
No, Khan Baba. Let Adham Khan continue...
Forgive me, Your Majesty!
Sharifuddin doubts your abilities and intelligence as Emperor.
He even dared to say...
because of this marriage you will cause the ruin of the Mughal dynasty.
He has crossed all boundaries of respect by spreading this to all.
Sharifuddin!
Your Majesty...
...ignore him. A frog can only leap so high!
But Sharifuddin has a point, Madam Maham Anga.
Your Majesty...
...was this the only way to consolidate the Empire?
Pardon my impertinence...
...but may I suggest that your heart is taking control of your mind.
What compelled you to marry a Hindu?
It was an administrative decision, Head of the Ullemas. Of benefit to everyone.
Measures taken for the country's welfare...
...shouldn't be construed as anti-religious.
You are right. But our sore point is...
...why was a temple built in the fort?
It is a blow to our hearts!
Shaikh Mubarak Sahib... Saadir Adaasi Sahib!
Circumstances compelled me to do what I did.
The well being of the kingdom is utmost in my mind!
Very well, what do you expect from me, respected Sirs?
Forgive me for saying this, Your Majesty...
...the Empress must be kept out of all the common areas in the fort.
And no Islamic tradition should be changed on account of her.
O enchanter of the heart
My beloved Krishna, heed me
How will I find peace without You?
Night and day I pine for You
Abandon Your sacred cities of Kashi and Mathura
Come and dwell in my eyes
How will I find peace without You?
My beloved Krishna, night and day I pine for You
Disperse!
The Royal Court of Public Proceedings is adjourned for the day!
O Divine dancer who resides in Gokul in Vrindavan
Radha, your handmaiden, yearns for the sight of You
O beautiful dusky son of Nanda, beloved Krishna
O forest-dweller, beauty is Your form
I have surrendered body and soul to You
O enchanter of the heart!
Vermilion.
I belong to You, my life belongs to You
I see only You In every reflection
I shall become Your flute And belong to Your lips alone
My heart is flooded with dreams
Why was Shamsuddin Atka Khan appointed Prime Minister, and not me?
It is now clear to me.
You consider Shamsuddin Atka Khan as a father...
...and hence you made him the Prime Minister.
Who addresses the Emperor in such a raised tone?
That is not true!
I believe in his political abilities.
After all, Adham Khan is the Emperor's foster and older brother.
He dares to challenge the Emperor's authority without crown or throne...
- Ni'mat! ... through deceit and injustice!
A thousand scoundrels rolled into one!
I want to know how capable are you, of ruling the kingdom?
You were nothing. But a puppet who danced to Bairam Khan's tune.
Don't forget it was my mother, who guided you.
I too am as capable as you!
Mother, on what grounds could I have appointed him the Prime Minister?
He has committed inhuman and shameful crimes.
He has plundered Malwa! Raped women!
When I declared no prisoner of war be made into a slave...
...or forced to convert, Adham disobeyed my orders!
He has done everything I abhor!
Actions I detest!
He has brought disgrace to the Mughals through his deeds.
And does marrying a Hindu, bring great honour?
Beware, Adham!
Take the Princess's name with respect!
Don't forget she is now the Empress of Hindustan!
I won't tolerate any disrespect to her.
Your Majesty!
Disperse!
It is said that bad times come without warning!
Failing to get Sharifuddin's help...
...Sujamal knocked on other doors to regain his share of the throne,
Prince Ratan Singh of Ajabgarh offered him help,
And so did King Rana Uday Singh of Udaygarh,
To match the military might of Jalaluddin Mohammad...
...we must forget our differences and join hands.
They agreed to help Sujamal, But decided to wait for the right time,
I will wipe out the names...
...of Jodhaa and Jalaluddin from Rajputana's memory!
No. Don't say that, Ranaji.
Jodhaa's plight after marriage, worries me.
What she must be going through.
I know her well.
She must be unhappy. Very unhappy!
Your Majesty, this is a difficult question.
I'd like to reply through an anecdote...
Pray speak!
Your Majesty, the angels were once asked: 'What is heaven? '
They answered: 'Every heart where love dwells is heaven itself'!
Well said!
The angels were then asked, 'What is hell? '
They replied: 'A heart without love is hell itself'!
How true!
Well spoken!
Today's session is over.
People may imagine spring is here Love, too, is bewildered
Fragrance upstages the flowers in the garden
Hidden in the veil of nature is a touch of sorrow
The world around us is mellow Time is slumbering
Lost and forgotten memories fill my heart
Rebels must be dealt with severely.
If a ruler is weak, his kingdom will soon be in disarray.
When it comes to Sharifuddin...
...you will have to exercise caution.
He is beyond, even my control!
Curse my luck! Lost again.
Never mind. Those who lose in this game, win in love.
Me? And love? My luck fails me there too.
Tell me something...
- Have you ever fallen in love? - Why this sudden question?
It's alright, Neelakshi.
To tell you the truth Ni'mat, I'm not sure what love is.
Love? A rainbow of feelings!
But you're unlucky in love. How do you know?
As the palace's Head Eunuch, do you think I spend my time clapping?
Your Majesty...
I have good news.
The Emperor has ordered a Rajput feast in your honour on the day of the Pir.
A Rajput feast? In my honour?
Not mine for sure!
And...
...he has sent you this gift.
It is beautiful!
Kindly tell the Emperor, I like it very much.
Yes, Your Majesty!
This means only one thing. He's trying to woo you.
If that be so, I won't be indifferent either.
What do you... propose to do?
I will cook for the feast.
Hear this! Her delicate hands will grind spices and stir pots.
That will be the day!
You can't do that.
Why not?
Because you are the Empress of Hindustan!
Then I shall cook as a wife, not an Empress!
My! My!
Mir Bakawal, why are you gawking?
It's the first time an Empress has entered the Royal Kitchen.
Your Highness, does our cooking displease you?
She fears you'll make mincemeat of the peas!
At your service...
Prepare the ingredients...
Come on! Hear the menu of the day!
Your Majesty, we got the vessels cleaned, as per your instructions.
What's going on here? Why aren't you preparing lunch?
Weren't you given the menu?
- We have been given the day off. - The day off? By whom?
The Empress of Hindustan.
She will cook a vegetarian Rajput meal with her own hands.
The respected Maham Anga enters the kitchen!
Keep your distance!
There is a difference in dreaming and fulfilling dreams.
Do not fool yourself into believing...
...that you have become an Empress, Princess!
What wrong have I done?
First you had a temple built in Agra fort...
...now you take charge of the kitchen...
...I am understanding everything!
What do you mean? I have taken charge of the kitchen?
Isn't that the right of every married woman?
Never forget...
...your marriage to Jalal is just an alliance.
In exchange for peace.
It might be so for you.
For us marriage is a sacred bond, which ends only in death.
Don't explain the meaning of marriage to me.
What marriage are you talking about?
Which is not yet consummated?
A marriage is complete...
...only when there's an heir.
And since Jalal won't even touch you, an heir?
So Princess Jodhaa, enjoy the world of the Mughals.
But do not try to be part of it.
I...
I can't believe you're saying this.
How do you claim to be like a mother to him?
Yes!
I am his mother!
I have fed him my milk.
Dedicating every waking hour to his well-being.
I have protected him from all harm.
Thanks to me no one has touched him.
An arrow was aimed at him when he was a boy...
...I took it on my chest and saved him!
If anyone tries to come between Jalal and me, I will destroy them.
I have always kept him from harm's eye.
You think I'll leave him exposed to you?
Never!
Rajput Folk Song about Feasts
Your Majesty, the menu today is dal bati churma...
...ker-sangri, pithode, gatte, til-papdi and panchmel sabzi.
For dessert, we have ghevar and sohan halwa.
Well done, Mir Bakawal!
Pardon me, Your Majesty...
...the Rajput Empress has prepared the feast today, not me.
But Mir Bakawal, this feast was supposed to be in her honour.
He is not at fault.
I asked him to let me cook.
Why did you take the trouble?
It's no trouble. I consider it my good fortune.
Pardon me, Your Majesty. Let me remind you...
...according to the law, food served to the Emperor...
...must first be tasted by the cook.
Only then, is it safe for the Emperor to eat.
Since Empress Jodhaa has made the feast today...
...let her say 'Bismillah' and begin.
Matters of security must be respected.
Even the Emperor cannot object.
Taste the food, Empress! Please do the honours.
Your Majesty, the food is safe to be served!
Your Majesty... you may now enjoy the repast.
Bring me the dishes the Empress has tasted.
I wish to eat from the same plate!
Wait!
Do not eat that!
Why not?
It has...
...less salt.
The food is exquisite.
Every morsel deserves praise!
I have enjoyed it so much...
I declare on the day of the Pir, I will only eat vegetarian food...
...from Empress Jodhaa's kitchen!
It is hard to describe this affliction
I wonder to myself
Does she belong to me?
We walk side by side but distance separates us
Like two shores of the ocean that never meet
She is near yet so far
I cannot endure this yearning
A wall of glass keeps us apart
No one should be allowed to trade in grain without our consent.
Another suggestion -
In certain provinces people are suffering from drought.
Their taxes should be waived!
You are right, Khan Baba.
Ensure both the policies are implemented immediately.
Your Majesty!
O my God!
I heard a song My heart chose her
What is this story that time tells me?
O Allah! If the Emperor hears about this, he will free me too!
Their freedom is more important than yours.
If I am filled with sadness
She is forlorn too
Loneliness casts a shadow on our encounters
We meet and yet we do not meet, Flowers bloom and yet they do not
Spring in our eyes, autumn in our hearts
Jodhaa, I do not want to go on this provincial tour, but duty calls.
The Empress sits in the palanquin.
- In the name of Allah! - In the shelter of Allah!
You did well!
Now I will trap her with this.
Trap?
But Mahambi, she wrote this letter before she was married.
- How do you know that? - Neelakshi told me.
Remember! You know nothing.
And don't you dare talk to anyone about this!
Or else...
Princess Jodhaa! Trying to be too clever, is she?
I implore you. I have tried hard to contact you. There's still time.
Come and protect me, my brother. Yours, Jodhaa.
Sujamal, she reminds you of your brotherly duty. You must go!
Have you lost your mind? It's a trap!
Why would she call you to a lion's den?
Entering the Agra fort means, inviting death.
Ranaji, at the cost of losing my life, I will go...
You have indeed lost your mind, Sujamal!
Go if you wish. And spend the rest of your life...
...admiring the dungeons of Agra fort!
I will go.
Sharifuddin, I'm sensing trouble.
I'm in danger of being found out.
The Prime Minister Shamsuddin Atka Khan...
...has discovered that I've embezzled tax money.
Adham, my brother, there's only one way out.
Before Shamsuddin unravels the truth to Todarmal...
...he must be stopped!
Can I be of any help?
After all, I am indebted to you and your mother...
...for my position in the Mughal army.
No.
I will act alone!
Adham, my brother, be cautious...
...whatever you do, don't leave it unfinished.
Taxes have been embezzled in the province of Malwa alone.
Tally the figures in these documents and you will see for yourself.
But Malwa comes under Adham.
- You mean... - I have always suspected him.
Today I have proof too!
Shamsuddin Atka Khan Sahib!
I must praise your auditing and revenue collection skills.
How well you count!
But when it comes to my province Malwa...
...you will have to ignore certain figures.
Consider them a concession.
You forget your responsibility as the Emperor's elder brother.
Moreover you happily extort your province to fill your pockets.
- This is sheer cheating! - Not cheating, a privilege!
I advise you, Khan Baba...
...to not interfere in my affairs or else... - Adham Khan!
Challenging a Prime Minister is no less than challenging the Emperor.
Disaster, Your Majesty!
Adham Khan has entered the women's palace with a sword.
He murdered the Prime Minister!
You insolent, ungrateful wretch. How dare you!
You killed a man, who was like a father to me.
Arrest this miserable wretch!
Today you have crossed all limits!
You killed Khan Baba to hide your heinous crimes!
Not only was he loyal to the Mughal Empire...
...but also a man of God!
I considered him a father.
His punishment is...
...throw him down...
...head first!
No, Jalal!
Carry out the order!
- Is he dead? - No, Your Majesty. He is alive.
Then bring him up. And throw him down again!
Your Majesty...
Keep your distance!
Elder Mother...
...I had to kill Adham for the terrible crime he committed.
Justice demanded his life, Elder Mother.
I understand.
Adham was wrong and had to pay for his crime.
That is why I forgive you, Jalal!
I know that nothing can come between you and the throne.
And in my view...
...Jodhaa too, should not make any such attempt!
Jodhaa?
Why do you speak of her?
Do you know what this is?
A vial of poison!
It was found in Jodhaa's belongings.
My greatest fear is now coming true.
Fear?
Don't forget, even priceless brass turns black!
Find out whom she writes to, besides her family.
What are you insinuating?
She was betrothed to the Prince of Ajabgarh.
Then she married you. Why?
She is an assassin sent by the Rajputs in disguise of a beautiful wife.
Are you saying that...
...she sent a message to the Prince of Ajabgarh?
You are no longer a child, Jalal.
She's your wife!
Yet why does she resist intimacy?
Because...
...she's still in love with that Rajput Prince of Ajabgarh.
Someone is coming to see her soon.
No matter how much light, a mirror reflects, it has a dark side.
How is my Jodhaa?
I was worried about you. Why did you want to meet me in secret?
You mentioned in your letter that you're coming to take me away? But why?
I knew you were unhappy. I read your letter and came at once.
- Letter? What letter? - The one that you sent.
I sent no letter.
What do you mean?
- Here it is and your rakhi too. - This rakhi...
I did... write this letter before I got married.
But never sent it, thinking you had your own worries.
How are you, brother?
Me? I am well.
Just wandering about without kingdom or home.
Never mind me. I was worried about you all along.
Brother, I am happy here.
Happy? What do you mean?
You were forced to marry and you say you're happy?
It's not as you think.
The Emperor did not convert me. He even built a temple for me.
What?
I knew nothing of this.
I am saddened by what you have endured, brother.
One thing still bothers me.
If you didn't send me the letter, then who did?
Arrest him!
The Emperor?
So this was a trap set up by you!
You betrayed me, Jodhaa!
No, brother.
That is why you sent the letter.
Don't misunderstand. I have nothing to do with this.
Jodhaa, this rakhi will always stay on my wrist...
...it will be a reminder of your treachery!
Brother!
Your Majesty!
For his treachery against the Mughal Empire...
...arrest the traitor Ni'mat!
No, Your Majesty! Save me, my Empress!
He isn't to be blamed. He was only following my orders.
May I know...
...what was so important...
...that you saw it fit to hide it from your husband...
...and sneak out in the middle of the night to meet a stranger.
Who was he?
The Prince of Ajabgarh?
- But... - You have betrayed me!
- Betrayed? - Yes!
Elder Mother had warned me.
It is not me, but Maham Anga, who has betrayed you!
How can she ever betray me? She has nurtured and raised me.
Probably that's the reason, I too have shown her respect.
But the same Maham Anga has tried to keep us apart.
She planted a vile seed of doubt in your mind against me.
- What would you call her, Your Majesty! - Silence!
I will not tolerate a word against Elder Mother.
Just as you will not entertain a word against her...
...I too cannot hear a word against my integrity and honour.
How unfortunate I am!
Just when I had started to find love, trust and happiness...
...why did this have to happen?
Since I am accused of treason, you may as well let me know my punishment.
You will go back to your family!
Since love must be based on trust...
...it would be best...
...that I go.
Prepare the Empress of Hindustan's departure at once!
People may imagine spring is here
Love too, is bewildered
Fragrance upstages the flowers in the garden
Hidden in the veil of nature is a touch of sorrow
The world around us is mellow
Time is slumbering
Lost and forgotten memories fill my heart
What have you done?
You consider him your son, and yet tried to wreck his marriage?
I was only doing my duty.
Duty? I tolerated your misdeeds, you pass off as duty.
I have never interfered.
But enough is enough! This is a limit!
He wasn't the Prince of Ajabgarh...
...but Jodhaa's brother, Sujamal.
What?
What about that letter?
Are you even aware of what was written?
Jodhaa wrote it before she got married, but never sent it.
And Maham Anga used the letter to poison your mind against her.
I can't believe it, Mother!
Elder Mother, is it true?
This is a blatant lie. I have been wrongly accused!
I'm innocent, Empress!
Silence, Maham Anga!
Lower your voice when speaking to my mother!
Answer my question.
Is it true or not?
Salima will answer this question.
Salima!
Speak up, Salima.
Have no fear. Tell us the truth!
Your Majesty, I brought it to respected Maham Anga's notice...
...that the letter was written before marriage...
...but she threatened me and used the letter for her own ends.
O God!
I have made a terrible mistake...
What have I done?
I gave you the status of a mother...
...and you poisoned my mind against Jodhaa?
You have broken my trust in you.
You have erased all the good memories... I had of you!
Is this why I called you 'EIder Mother'?
You have nurtured me all my life.
Only for that, I forgive you!
Nevertheless, from now...
...I will never see your face again.
Bring her back, Jalal!
I don't know...
...how I shall face her.
Admitting a mistake only makes love grow deeper.
I am convinced that Jodhaa will accept.
- Didn't I tell you, he'd come? - I still can't believe it!
Welcome!
It is an honour and a privilege to have you here in Amer.
May this vermilion mark signify a strong bond between Mughals and Rajputs!
No matter what he says, I will not go back.
But are you not going to welcome him?
Now wipe the frown off your face and draw the veil.
Whom do my son-in-law's eyes seek?
We have a custom in Amer.
When a son-in-law visits for the first time...
...he must find his bride among the women of the palace.
If he succeeds, he gets to stay in his wife's chamber.
And if he fails, he has to sleep under the open sky...
...counting the stars!!
Come! Welcome, son-in-law...
So you finally found your Jodhaa!
- Will you come back with me? - No, I'm not going anywhere!
I have come to take you home.
Why do you now refuse?
I will not go back to Agra!
It feels strange being here, alone with you, in this chamber.
It is strange!
But I have a solution...
And what might that be?
This is too harsh a punishment.
Now I cannot see my face...
...reflected in your eyes!
This is unjust!
Jodhaa...
Jodhaa, I have expressed regret.
You can't win me by just expressing regret.
But you will never understand this.
I don't understand?
No, you don't!
You know how to wage war and conquer. But do not know how to rule.
What did you say?
That you have only conquered me...
...but not won my heart yet.
This is unfair. I have fulfilled your every wish...
...I have respected every demand of yours...
...I have carried out my duties as a husband!
If that were true...
...you'd never have sent me away without hearing my side.
But this...
But try and understand that considering the circumstances...
...a misunderstanding was inevitable.
But you should have at least tried to know what really happened.
But the truth is that, you are far removed from reality...
...you do not know how to win hearts.
To do that, you need to look into their minds...
...discover their little pleasures and sorrows.
And win their trust. Be one with their heartbeat!
And the day you will succeed in doing that...
...you will rule my heart!
Forgive me, Jodhaa.
Excellent!
Now, if you defeat me...
...you can gladly stay back in Amer.
And if I win...
...then you will have to return with me.
Raise your sword!
Raise it!
Excellent!
Allah be praised!
Empress of Hindustan...
...do not forget, I am your husband!
Disperse!
O Allah...
There is a saying in Persian:
'Why seek Paradise? It is before me now! '
I will not go back!
Princess!
I won!
This is unfair. Gira interrupted...
Regardless! I won and you lost.
Gira, could you not have waited? You made me lose.
Forgive me. An envoy brings a message for His Majesty.
Ask him to wait.
Forgive her, Jodhaa.
Remember, a moment's distraction can prove fatal in battle and can bring...
'... defeat or death.' I know!
Where did you learn to duel so well?
My brother Sujamal taught me the art!
He has taught you well.
I was lucky to have won.
Now prepare to leave.
I will not go.
Now this goes against your protocol.
Being the Empress of Hindustan, you cannot go back on your word.
I do as I please.
- I will not go! - And now, I won't force you.
Do you know why?
My heart says, you will come on your own accord.
You will come.
Because by then... I would have won your heart!
Your Majesty, why are you doing this?
Roaming in the bazaar without guards is dangerous.
Do not worry. No one will recognize me.
I'm doing it since there's a difference between conquering and ruling!
To win the hearts of people, one must look into their minds.
Another thing... do not address me as 'Your Majesty'.
Then what do I call you?
Call me Jalal.
Where do we start, Mahesh Das?
- Greetings! - Greetings!
Will your eyes only feast or do you even intend to buy anything?
- How much is the grain? - Three coins for a pound.
- The barley? - Two coins for a pound. Shall I pack it?
We'll buy wheat instead.
- Wheat? Two coins for a pound. - Two coins for a pound?!
What can we do? The landowners decide the price.
His prices are sky high.
Looks like you too have dropped from the sky!
You're pockets are empty and you want to buy Agra bazaar?
Take it or leave it!
Insolent fool! Do you know with whom you have an audience?
An audience? Move on!
Let's go. We'll try the next shop.
Move on!
Get your fresh tobacco here!
Silence! Arrest him!!
What's going on there?
Master, forgive me.
- We must go back. - No, wait.
This is what I've come to see.