Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor (r. 1628–1658), known for his architectural achievements and military campaigns.

Birth and Family Heritage

Mirza Shahab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram, later known as Shah Jahan, was born on 5 January 1592 in Lahore, the ninth child and third son of Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) and Jagat Gosain, a Rathore Rajput princess. His grandfather, Emperor Akbar, took a special interest in him, giving him the name Khurram, meaning “joyous.” Akbar regarded Khurram as his “true son” and played a crucial role in his upbringing.

Childhood and Education

Raised in the royal household under Ruqaiya Sultan Begum, Akbar’s chief wife, Khurram received an elite education. His studies included Persian, Arabic, Turki, and Sanskrit, along with extensive training in military strategy, administration, and arts. He was deeply influenced by Hindi literature and culture, and historical accounts mention his proficiency in the language. Akbar’s death in 1605 marked his return to his biological mother, whom he loved dearly.

Rise to Power

Upon Jahangir’s accession in 1605, the empire faced political instability due to Khurram’s half-brother Khusrau Mirza’s rebellion. Khurram remained uninvolved in the court intrigues at first but gradually became his father’s favored son. By 1608, he was granted the sarkar of Hissar-e-Feroza, a traditional fief of the heir-apparent, solidifying his position.

Jahangir’s marriage to Nur Jahan in 1611 brought new power dynamics to the Mughal court. Nur Jahan’s influence led to Shahryar Mirza, her son-in-law, being favored over Khurram for succession. Sensing a threat to his claim, Khurram rebelled in 1622, but his attempt to overthrow his father failed. However, Jahangir’s death in 1627 created an opportunity for Khurram to assert his dominance.

Following Jahangir’s death, Khurram quickly acted against his rival Shahryar Mirza, executing him and other contenders to secure the throne. In 1628, he ascended as Shah Jahan (“King of the World”), beginning one of the most remarkable reigns in Mughal history.

Reign and Achievements

Architectural Legacy

Shah Jahan’s reign marked the pinnacle of Mughal architecture. His greatest contributions include:

• Taj Mahal (1632–1653): A mausoleum built for his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra, regarded as one of the most exquisite structures in the world.
• Red Fort (1639): A grand palace-fortress in Delhi, symbolizing Mughal power.
• Jama Masjid (1656): One of the largest mosques in India, showcasing Persian and Indian architectural fusion.
• Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, Wazir Khan Mosque, and extensive renovations of Agra and Lahore forts.

Military Campaigns

Shah Jahan expanded Mughal control through aggressive military campaigns:

• Conquests in the Deccan (1632–1647): He subdued Ahmadnagar, Golconda, and Bijapur, consolidating Mughal authority in southern India.
• Safavid Wars (1638–1649): Captured Kandahar but lost it later due to Persian counterattacks.
• Central Asian Expeditions (1646–1647): Attempted but failed to gain a stronghold in Balkh and Badakhshan.

Economic and Administrative Policies

Under Shah Jahan, the Mughal Empire saw economic prosperity:

• Efficient Revenue System: Continued Todar Mal’s revenue policies, ensuring high agricultural output.
• Commercial Expansion: Strengthened trade ties with Persians, Ottomans, and Europeans, increasing the empire’s wealth.
• Legal Reforms: Strengthened the judicial system, encouraging public petitions and accessibility to justice.

Shah Jahan’s era remains one of the most celebrated periods in Indian history, blending art, culture, and imperial dominance.

Family and Personal Life

In 1612, Shah Jahan married Arjumand Banu Begum, later known as Mumtaz Mahal. Their marriage was marked by deep affection, and she wielded great influence in court affairs. She bore him 14 children, seven of whom survived.

Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 after giving birth to Princess Gauhar Ara Begum. Shah Jahan was devastated and mourned intensely. Her death led to the construction of the Taj Mahal, his greatest architectural achievement.

Shah Jahan had several wives, including Kandahari Begum and Izz un-Nisa Begum, but none held the same stature as Mumtaz Mahal. He also married a Rajput princess from Jodhpur during his rebellion against Jahangir.

Shah Jahan’s downfall marked the beginning of political instability, setting the stage for Aurangzeb’s autocratic rule.

Decline and Imprisonment

By 1657, Shah Jahan’s declining health led to a power struggle among his sons:

• Dara Shikoh, the designated heir, faced opposition from his brothers Shah Shuja, Murad Baksh, and Aurangzeb.
• Aurangzeb emerged victorious after defeating Dara Shikoh at Samugarh (1658).

Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort from 1658 until his death in 1666. His daughter Jahanara Begum voluntarily stayed with him during his confinement, providing care and companionship.

Death and Burial

On 22 January 1666, Shah Jahan died at the age of 74. His body was laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal, fulfilling his final wish.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did Shah Jahan rise to power?

He defeated his brother Shahryar Mirza after Jahangir’s death in 1627 and executed rivals to secure the throne.

What is Shah Jahan most famous for?

He built the Taj Mahal, Red Fort, and Jama Masjid, marking the peak of Mughal architecture.

What were his major military campaigns?

He expanded the empire in the Deccan, fought the Portuguese, and waged wars against the Safavids and Rajputs.

What led to his downfall?

A succession war in 1658 led to his imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb.

Where was Shah Jahan imprisoned?

He was confined in Agra Fort from 1658 until his death in 1666.

Who was his favorite wife?

Mumtaz Mahal, for whom he built the Taj Mahal.

How did Shah Jahan contribute to Islamic revivalism?

He reversed Akbar’s policies of religious tolerance, favoring Islamic orthodoxy.

What role did his daughter Jahanara play?

She acted as his caretaker and advisor during his imprisonment.

What was the Deccan famine of 1630–32?

A devastating famine during his reign that led to mass starvation.

How did he die?

He died in 1666 in Agra Fort and was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal.

What was his economic impact?

Under him, India became the world’s largest economy, with some economic historians stating that the wealth of India at that time even surpassed China in GDP.