Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal Emperor and ruled from 1628 to 1658. He is most famous for commissioning the Taj Mahal, one of the most iconic architectural wonders of the world. His reign is often considered the height of Mughal architecture, wealth, and culture. However, his rule also ended in turmoil, with a bitter struggle for succession among his sons.
Born on January 5, 1592, to Emperor Jahangir and his Rajput wife, Princess Manmati (also known as Bilqis Makani).
Initially named Khurram, he was given the title Shah Jahan, meaning "King of the World," after proving himself in military campaigns and administration under his father, Jahangir.
After his father died in 1627, Shah Jahan defeated his rivals, including his brother Shahryar, to claim the Mughal throne.
He was formally crowned emperor in 1628.
Shah Jahan married Arjumand Banu Begum in 1612, who later became known as Mumtaz Mahal ("Chosen One of the Palace"). She was his favorite wife and the love of his life. Mumtaz Mahal bore him 14 children, and her death in 1631 during childbirth deeply affected Shah Jahan. In her memory, he commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal, a white marble mausoleum on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, which took over 20 years to complete.
Shah Jahan’s reign is often referred to as the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture. His contributions to architecture include some of the most magnificent and enduring buildings in India.
Taj Mahal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of eternal love.
Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, built in red sandstone, it served as the Mughal court's primary residence.
Jama Masjid in Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) in Agra and
Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) in Lahore.
In 1657, Shah Jahan fell seriously ill, sparking a brutal war of succession among his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja, and Murad Baksh. The conflict culminated in Aurangzeb’s victory.
Aurangzeb deposed Shah Jahan in 1658 and declared himself emperor. Shah Jahan was imprisoned in the Agra Fort, where he spent the last eight years of his life under house arrest.
It is said that from his prison cell, Shah Jahan could gaze upon the Taj Mahal, the monument to his lost love.
Shah Jahan died on January 22, 1666, in captivity. After his death, he was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal, fulfilling his final wish.