Akbar beloved Mariam from the beginning.

In a marriage of political alliance, Mariam uz-Zamani was married to Akbar on February 9, 1562 at Sambhar, Rajasthan, India. She was 22 days older than her husband. She became a secondary wife of Akbar after EmpressRuqaiya Sultan Begum, who was Akbar's first wife and chief consort,^[2]and EmpressSalima Sultan Begum, the widow of his most trusted general,Bairam Khan. As per the custom of renaming a Hindu wife, Hira Kunwari was given the titleMariam ul-Zamani("Mary of the Age").^[3](Contrary to what is depicted in some media, she was never Akbar's favourite nor his beloved.)

Mariam Zamani Palace, where all of Akbar's Hindu wives resided.

As, she was a Hindu Empress,she remained a devotee of lord Krishna.She gave birth to the next Mughal Emperor Jahangir and received the title of 'Mariam-uz-Zamani,which means 'Mary of the age'<font color="#3333cc">.</font><font color="#990000">At the beginnining of the marriage Mariam never loved Akbar,but Akbar beloved her from the beginning.</font><font color="#3333cc">She took part in the royal debates that were held in the DIWANE-KHAS infront of Akbar and other important ministers with other high-ranked(in harem) begums(like-Ruqaiya sultan begum,salima sultan begum,etc...).</font><font color="#990000">she was the most dearest and nearest begum of Akbar.</font> Ruqaiya was also a favourite of Akbar,but as Ruqaiya was the cousin of Akbar she could not bore any child/children to her.<font color="#990000">Mariam was also the favourite of her Mother-in-law(Hamida Banu Begum) because of her politeness and brilliancy.MARIAM always respected and obeyed her.</font>Mariam was involved in the court politics till Nur Jahan became the <font color="#990000">Empress.Mariam never lived in the Mughal Harem with other begums,Akbar built a separate palace for her.</font>

</p>

There is a popular perception that the wife of Akbar, mother of Jahangir, was known as "Jodha Bai"