Mughals' Winter Secrets: How Emperors Battled Bone-Chilling Cold in Delhi & Agra
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News18•06-01-2026, 18:30
Mughals' Winter Secrets: How Emperors Battled Bone-Chilling Cold in Delhi & Agra
- •300-400 years ago, Delhi and Agra experienced extreme cold (1-2°C lower than today), documented by travelers like Ralph Fitch and François Bernier.
- •Royal kitchens prepared warming dishes like Paya, Nihari, Haleem, Khichra, rich in meat, spices (saffron, ginger), and dry fruits imported from Afghanistan.
- •Special sweets like Sohan Halwa and Yaquti, along with herbal Kahwa and medicinal 'Majun', provided energy and internal warmth.
- •Mughal palaces featured thick walls, small windows, enclosed courtyards, 'winter chambers,' and sophisticated hammams with underfloor heating systems.
- •Emperors and the wealthy wore Pashmina shawls, velvet attire, quilted robes (labada/choga), and fur-lined garments to combat the cold.
Why It Matters: Mughals used sophisticated food, architecture, and clothing strategies to survive harsh Delhi/Agra winters.
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