Roshanara

Roshanara is a Persian feminine name formed from the elements روشن (rōshan) meaning "light" and آرا (ārā) meaning "decorate, adorn". Thus, the name can be interpreted as "adorned with light" or "one who decorates with light."

Historical Notability

The most famous bearer of this name was Roshanara Begum, the second daughter of the 17th-century Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (of Taj Mahal fame) and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Roshanara played a significant role in the Mughal court, particularly in the succession struggle between her brothers Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh. She sided with Aurangzeb, who eventually became emperor. Her political influence continued during Aurangzeb's reign, though their relationship later soured. She never married and died in 1671.

Cultural Significance

The name was later adopted as a stage name by Olive Katherine Craddock (1894–1926), an Anglo-Indian dancer professionally known as Roshanara. Trained in Indian dance forms, she performed in Britain and America with companies such as Loie Fuller's and the Ballets Russes. She chose the name to evoke the prestige of the Mughal princess.

• Meaning: "adorned with light" (from Persian rōshan "light" + ārā "decorate")
• Origin: Persian
• Usage: Persian (and South Asian via Mughal influence)
• Notable Bearer: Roshanara Begum (Mughal princess, daughter of Shah Jahan)