Shah Jahan, also known as Shahbuddin Mohammed Shah
Jahan, was a Mughal Emperor who ruled in the Indian Subcontinent from
1628 to 1658. He was the fifth Mughal ruler, after Babur, Humayun, Akbar
and Jahangir. Shah Jahan succeeded the throne after revolting against
his father, Jahangir. The period of Shah Jahan's rule in India is
regarded as the golden age of Indian architecture. He is credited with
constructing numerous beautiful monuments throughout the landscape of
India. However, the most brilliant monument is the 'Taj Mahal' of Agra,
which he built in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
The exquisite "Peacock Throne', which he got built for himself, is
believed to be worth millions of dollars by modern estimates. Shah Jahan
is also the founder of the modern city of Delhi. During that time, the
city was known as Shahjahanabad. Get more information on the biography
as well as life history of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan:
Early Life
Shah Jahan was born as Prince Khurram on 5th January 1592, to Emperor
Jahangir and his second wife, Jagat Gosini (a Rajput Princess). In 1611,
his father married Nur Jehan, the widowed daughter of a Persian
immigrant and the aunt of Arjumand Banu Begum. Prince Khurram married
Arjumand Banu Begum in May 1612. She was given the name of Mumtaz Mahal
(Ornament of the Palace) when Prince Khurram acceded the throne and
became Shah Jahan. However, the succession was not simple and easy.
Infact, a bloody fight with his father ensued before the accession.
In 1627, when Jahangir died, Prince Khurram succeeded the Mughal throne
as Shah Jahan (meaning the King of the World). He was also given the
title of the 'Lord of the Auspicious Conjunctions', in reference to his
pride in his Timurid roots. Throughout the earlier military campaigns of
Shah Jahan as well as his rebellion against Jahangir, Mumtaz accompanied
him everywhere with his entourage.
Reign
Throughout his reign, Shah Jahan constantly strived towards enlarging
his empire. The first violence that erupted after his accession to the
throne came from Jujhar Singh, son of the Bundela chief, Bir Singh Deo.
In 1628, Shah Jahan faced another major revolt by Khan Jahan Lodi. He
had united with the ruler of Ahmednagar and came out in open rebellion
against the emperor. The aggression by Khan Jahan came to an end by the
year 1960, when he surrendered and died near the fort of Kalanjar.
After Shah Jahan became emperor, the Deccan policy of the Mughals
underwent a major change. This led to a suspicion of their alliance with
the Shia rulers of Persia. However, with the death of Malik Ambar, the
problem got sorted out. In 1631, the Mughal army led by Shah Jahan laid
a failed siege on Bijapur. However in 1633, they managed to win the fort
of Daulatabad. The chief aggressions of the reign of Shahjahan were -
the destruction of the Ahmadnagar kingdom (1636), the loss of Kandahar
to the Persians (1653) and a second war against the Deccan princes
(1655).
Construction of Taj Mahal
One of the most significant incidents in the life of Mughal Emperor
Shah Jahan was the construction of Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders
of the World. His wife Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their
fourteenth child. Shah Jahan decided to build world's most beautiful
monument in the memory of his beloved wife. The monument, which is known
as the 'Taj Mahal', contains the tombs of both Mumtaz Mahal and Shah
Jahan. Taj Mahal, also known as the Epitome of Love, is exceptionally
beautiful and has become one of the most visited tourist destinations of
India. People from different parts of the world come to India to see
this amazing edifice in white.
Other Structures Constructed by Shah Jahan
The following monuments were also constructed by Shah Jahan during his
rule:
