Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan, a member of the elite class of the Mughal Empire, was born on October 20, 1569. He received a broad education and had many intellectual influences.

Shah Jahan, originally named Khurram by his grandfather Akbar, was born in 1592. He was the fifth son of Jahangir.

Shah Jahan, born as Mirza Shahab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram on 5 January 1592 in Lahore, was the fifth Mughal emperor known for his architectural and cultural achievements.

As a Mughal prince, Khurram received a comprehensive education that included martial training, poetry, music, and exposure to various cultural arts. Despite political uncertainties during Akbar's death, Khurram showed dedication to his studies and interests in Hindi literature.

In 1607, Shah Jahan was betrothed to Arjumand Bano Begum, the grand daughter of a Persian noble. She later became his beloved wife.

Jahangir married Nur Jahan, who became influential in the court along with her brother Asaf Khan, leading to a complex political environment during Shah Jahan's early years.

Shah Jahan married his Persian second wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal, on May 10, 1612. She was the inspiration behind the construction of the Taj Mahal.

After a year of harsh war, Rana Amar Singh I surrendered to the Mughal forces, making Mewar a vassal state of the Mughal Empire.

Jahangir awarded Khurram the title Shah Sultan Khurram before his departure to Deccan in 1616.

After successful campaigns in the Deccan, Jahangir granted Khurram the title Shah Jahan, meaning 'King of the World', and elevated his military rank.

Shah Jahan was given the first copy of Jahangirnama by his father, who considered him the foremost among his sons.

In 1622, Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan) raised an army against his father, Jahangir, but the insurgency failed. He was later forgiven and accepted back into the fold.

After wandering throughout the empire to gain public support for his right to the throne, Shah Jahan returned to make peace with his father in 1625. This led to his father preparing him for the title of emperor.

On January 1, 1627, Shah Jahan takes the throne as the Mughal Emperor. This event marks the beginning of his reign and his rule over the Mughal Empire.

Shah Jahan ordered the execution of his brother, nephews, cousins, and imprisoned his stepmother Nur Jahan to eliminate any potential contention for his rule.

After a fratricidal war against his weaker brother, Shahryar, Shah Jahan captured power and took the rule name Shah Jahan on February 4, 1628.

Shah Jahan conducted military campaigns to put down an Islamic rebellion in Ahmednagar, repulse the Portuguese in Bengal, and capture the Rajput kingdoms of Baglana and Bundelkhand.

On January 1, 1631, Shah Jahan's wife, Mumtaz Mahal, passed away.

Shah Jahan's deep affection and favor for Mumtaz Mahal surpassed his relationships with his other wives by a thousand times, as documented by the court chronicler Qazwini. Their relationship was described as intense, intimate, and even erotic by court historians.

Shah Jahan built the iconic Taj Mahal over a period of 20 years using white marble underlaid with brick as a symbol of love for his wife Mumtaz Mahal. It is one of the most famous structures in the world.

Golconda submitted to Shah Jahan in 1635.

In 1636, Shah Jahan successfully subdued Ahmadnagar, a volatile province in the Deccan region, consolidating Mughal control in the area.

Shah Jahan sent an embassy to the Ottoman court in 1637.

In 1638, Shah Jahan establishes a new capital.

Shah Jahan built the Red Fort in Delhi as a massive structure to support military operations of the Mughal Empire. The fort included a mosque and entertainment centers.

In 1640, Shah Jahān built the Red Fort in Delhi, a massive fortress-palace complex, during his rule as the Mughal emperor.

In 1644, the Mughal prince Aurangzeb was appointed as the viceroy of Gujarat, where he later engaged in religious disputes, including the destruction of a Jain temple in Ahmedabad.

In 1647, the construction of the Taj Mahal, a magnificent white marble mausoleum in Agra, was completed. It was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.

In 1648, Shah Jahan relocates the Mughal court to Dehli after the completion of Shahjahanabad. He continues to implement changes and improvements while the court is situated in the new capital.

In 1657, Shah Jahan becomes seriously ill, leading to a power struggle among his sons for the throne.

In 1658, Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, emerges victorious in the power struggle and becomes the new ruler. He then proceeds to imprison Shah Jahan in the Jasmine Tower of the Red Fort at Agra.

In 1659, Shah Jahan was imprisoned in Agra Fort by his son Aurangzeb, leading to a period of house arrest until his death.

Shah Jahan passed away in 1666 and was laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal.

Shihāb al-Dīn Muḥammad Khurram, also known as Shah Jahan, passed away on January 22, 1666 in Agra, which is now in India, at the age of 74.