by JS Daniel

Created on: August 01, 2009   Last Updated: October 04, 2009

The first thing that comes to mind when one thinks of Shah Jahan is the Beautiful and magnificent 'Taj Mahal'. Shah Jahan (1592-1666) was the son of Jahangir and grandson of Akbar. His mother was a Rajput princess named Manmati was of Hindu origin. Shah Jahan was named Prince Khurram Shihab-ud-din Muhammad. Being his grandfather's favorite he was named Khurram which meant joyful.

Shah Jahan was born in the year 1592. He was well educated and had a passion for architecture and arts. He succeeded the throne after his father's death in 1628. He was the fifth Mughal emperor of India. He was a successful emperor. The name Shah Jahan meant 'king of the world'. He had a large and strong military force which was organized with diligence. During his reign the Mughal Empire expanded and spread over a large number of states. This was because of his success in capturing states in war. Ahmadnagar was annexed. He had huge success against the Deccan states. There was prosperity in his kingdom. His reign has been called the golden age of Mughals. The war against the Safavids of Persia is one amongst the disastrous campaigns in his reign.

Shah Jahan was married to his childhood sweetheart 'Arjumand Banu Begam 'who was given the name 'Mumtaz Mahal' during the time of matrimony. He had two more wives after her. But she was the favorite among the three. Mumtaz was said to be a woman of beauty and knowledge. She accompanied him on some of the quests and was an inseparable part of him. When Mumtaz Mahal died he built the Taj Mahal in her memory. The mausoleum is one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is also a symbol of love. Taj Mahal is also known for its architectural qualities.

Shah Jahan had a passion for architecture. He redesigned a building within the Agra Fort when he was very young. He also built the 'pearl mosque' and 'Jami Masjid'. Painting, poetry and music were dominant in his reign.

Shahjahan had many sons. Aurangzeb was the cruel and ambitious one among them. When Shah Jahan fell ill, Aurangzeb killed his brother and declared himself the next emperor. He ordered his father to be retained in Agra Fort form where he could see the Taj Mahal. Shah Jahan died in the year 1666 due to illness. His body was buried next to his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

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