Golbadan Baji (Persian:گلبدنباجی) orGulbadan Khanum (گلبدن خانم), also known by her titleKhazen ol-Dowleh (خازنالدوله;fl. 19th-century) was aconcubine ofFath-Ali Shah Qajar ofIran (r. 1797–1834).
OfGeorgian origin, she was originally a slave girl of Fath-Ali Shah's mother after whose death she rose to prominence.[1][2]
Fath-Ali Shah's motherMahd-e OlyaAsiye Khanum Ezzeddin Qajar had been responsible for functioning as the administrator of theQajar harem household and treasurer until her death.[3] When she died, Fath-Ali Shah's wives were unable to choose a new head of the royal Qajar harem, and therefore requested Fath-Ali Shah to leave Golbadan Baji in charge of the household as she was reportedly familiar with the ways of her mistress.[3] By choosing a concubine, Fath-Ali Shah's wives protected themselves from the perception of favouring one wife over another.[3] Golbadan Baji therefore became head of the household pursestrings.[1] According to contemporaneous sources, she fulfilled this task efficiently and with fidelity.[1] Fath-Ali Shah was very impressed by Golbadan Baji's performance, and therefore married her as asigheh, and gave her the honorific title (laqab)Khazen-ol-Dowleh.[1][2]
She gave birth to two sons (Fath-Ali Shah's 37th sonBahman Mirza Baha od-Dowleh; and his 42nd sonSeyfollah Mirza) and efficiently managed the harem's affairs and expenditures.[3][2] According to contemporaneous sources, atNowruz (the Iranian New Year), she chose gifts for the harem's residents, princes and notables including the governors of Iran's provinces.[3] Golbadan Baji kept a detailed list of all expenditures and presents.[3] She was well trusted by many inside and outside the harem.[3] At the height of her influence, Golbadan Baji presided over the private treasury, the harem finances and the Shah's private funds whilst heading a host of women secretaries and accountants.[4]