Ivan V of Russia vs Sultan Jahan Begum

Ivan V was crowned as co-tsar of Russia alongside his half-brother Peter I, following the Moscow Uprising of 1682. Due to his physical and mental disabilities, Ivan was a figurehead ruler, with real power exercised by his sister Sophia Alekseyevna as regent.

Ivan V continued as nominal co-tsar while his sister Sophia Alekseyevna ruled as regent from 1682 to 1689. He played no active role in governance, with all decisions made by Sophia and her advisors, including Prince Vasily Golitsyn.

After Peter I overthrew Sophia's regency, Ivan V remained co-tsar, though he continued to have no real power. He lived quietly in the Kremlin, deferring to Peter, until his death in 1696, after which Peter became sole ruler.

Sultan Jahan Begum succeeded her mother Shah Jahan Begum as the ruling Begum of Bhopal. She governed the state for 25 years, implementing progressive reforms in education and women's rights.

Sultan Jahan Begum opened several schools for girls in Bhopal, including the Sultan Jahan Girls School. She also established a women's hospital and advocated for female literacy, challenging conservative norms.

Sultan Jahan Begum introduced laws in Bhopal to protect women's property rights and restrict child marriage. These reforms were progressive for the time, though they faced resistance from conservative factions.

Sultan Jahan Begum wrote 'The Story of a Pilgrimage', an account of her Hajj journey to Mecca. The book provided insights into Islamic practices and the experiences of a female ruler, gaining international readership.

Sultan Jahan Begum contributed significantly to the founding of Aligarh Muslim University, serving as its first chancellor. She donated funds and advocated for the institution, which became a major center for Muslim education in India.