Known for building the iconic Taj Mahal in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan is one of the most famous Mughal emperors in Indian history. However, there are many fascinating facts about him that are not commonly known. Here are 10 things you didn’t know about Shah Jahan:
1. Shah Jahan was born as Prince Khurram: Shah Jahan was born as Prince Khurram on January 5, 1592, in Lahore, Pakistan. He was the third son of Emperor Jahangir and his wife, Princess Manmati. He was later given the title Shah Jahan, which means “King of the World.”
2. He had a large family: Shah Jahan had several wives and numerous children. He married Mumtaz Mahal in 1612, and she bore him 14 children. Mumtaz Mahal died during childbirth in 1631, and Shah Jahan was devastated by her death.
3. Shah Jahan had a passion for architecture: In addition to building the Taj Mahal, Shah Jahan was responsible for constructing several other impressive buildings, including the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid in Delhi. He was known for his keen eye for design and grandeur.
4. He was a patron of the arts: Shah Jahan was a great supporter of the arts and literature. He was known for his elegant calligraphy and love for poetry. He also commissioned several works of art and encouraged artists and craftsmen to flourish during his reign.
5. Shah Jahan was a great military leader: Despite his interest in architecture and the arts, Shah Jahan was also a skilled military strategist. He led several successful military campaigns during his reign and expanded the Mughal Empire to its greatest extent.
6. He was a talented musician: Shah Jahan was not just a great ruler and military leader, but he was also a talented musician. He had a passion for music and would often perform at royal gatherings and events.
7. Shah Jahan was a humanitarian: Shah Jahan was known for his compassion towards his subjects and his commitment to social welfare. He established several charitable institutions and hospitals to help the less fortunate in society.
8. He was deposed by his own son: In 1658, Shah Jahan fell ill, and a struggle for power ensued among his sons. His third son, Aurangzeb, orchestrated a coup and imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort. Shah Jahan spent the last years of his life in captivity, looking out at the Taj Mahal from his window.
9. Shah Jahan died at the age of 74: Shah Jahan passed away on January 22, 1666, at the age of 74. He was buried alongside his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal, as per his wish.
10. His legacy lives on: Despite his tragic end, Shah Jahan’s legacy lives on through the magnificent buildings he constructed and the love story immortalized in the Taj Mahal. He is remembered as one of the greatest Mughal emperors who left an indelible mark on Indian history.
In conclusion, Shah Jahan was not just a ruler; he was a man of many talents and passions. His contributions to art, architecture, and culture have left a lasting impact on India and the world. Knowing these lesser-known facts about Shah Jahan sheds light on the life and achievements of this remarkable historical figure.
Surprising Facts About Shah Jahan You Probably Didn’t Know
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