Shah Jahan

Shah Jahan (1592–1666), whose full title was Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, ruling from 1628 to 1658 CE. His reign marked the golden age of Mughal architecture and culture, symbolised most famously by the construction of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s greatest architectural masterpieces.
Under Shah Jahan, the Mughal Empire reached its zenith in terms of territorial expansion, prosperity, and cultural splendour, though his later years were marred by internal strife and the war of succession among his sons.

Early Life

Shah Jahan was born on 5 January 1592 in Lahore, then part of the Mughal Empire.

• His birth name was Prince Khurram.
• He was the third son of Emperor Jahangir and Jagat Gosaini (a Rajput princess from Marwar).
• He received an excellent education in Persian, Arabic, history, and military tactics, and was trained in statecraft and warfare from a young age.

Khurram showed exceptional military skill early on, leading successful campaigns against the Rajputs, Mewar, and Deccan states during his father Jahangir’s reign. These achievements earned him recognition as a capable and ambitious prince.

Accession to the Throne

After Jahangir’s death in 1627 CE, a fierce struggle for succession broke out among his sons.

• Khurram defeated his rivals, including his half-brother Shahryar, with the support of powerful nobles such as Asaf Khan, the father of his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
• He ascended the throne in 1628 CE at Agra, assuming the regal title Shah Jahan, meaning “King of the World.”

His accession marked the beginning of one of the most prosperous and artistically glorious periods of the Mughal Empire.

Expansion of the Empire

Under Shah Jahan, the Mughal Empire expanded to its greatest geographical extent before Aurangzeb. His military campaigns were both defensive and expansionist in nature.
1. Campaigns in the Deccan:

• Subdued the Ahmadnagar kingdom and strengthened control over the Deccan region.
• Consolidated Mughal authority over Bijapur and Golconda, though these states remained semi-independent.

2. Northwestern Frontier:

• Led successful expeditions in Kandahar and Balkh to counter Persian and Central Asian influence.
• Although Kandahar was temporarily captured, it was eventually lost to the Persians under Shah Abbas II in 1649 CE.

3. Rajput Policy:

• Continued Akbar’s policy of alliance and tolerance towards Rajput states.
• Maintained friendly relations with rulers like the Rajas of Amber and Jodhpur.

Administration and Governance

Shah Jahan maintained and refined the administrative system established by Akbar and consolidated by Jahangir.
1. Central Administration:

• The emperor was the supreme authority, assisted by ministers such as the Wazir (Prime Minister), Mir Bakshi (Military Chief), and Sadr-us-Sudur (Head of Religious Endowments).

2. Revenue Administration:

• The Zabt system of revenue assessment continued.
• Land revenue remained the empire’s main source of income, based on fertility and productivity.

3. Law and Order:

• Ensured efficient functioning of the judicial and military systems.
• Maintained peace and prosperity throughout most of his reign.

4. Patronage of Art and Architecture:

• His court became a centre of cultural brilliance, promoting architecture, literature, painting, and jewellery design.

Cultural and Architectural Achievements

Shah Jahan’s reign is often referred to as the Golden Age of Mughal Architecture. His aesthetic sense and passion for monumental construction transformed Mughal art into one of the most refined forms of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Major Architectural Works:

1. Taj Mahal (1631–1648):
   • Built in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631.
   • Located at Agra, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a masterpiece of white marble architecture.
   • Symbolises eternal love and combines Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles.
2. Red Fort, Delhi (1638–1648):
   • Constructed when Shah Jahan shifted his capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).
   • Served as the Mughal seat of power for nearly 200 years.
3. Jama Masjid, Delhi:
   • One of the largest mosques in India, completed in 1656.
4. Shah Jahan’s Throne (Peacock Throne):
   • An opulent royal throne inlaid with gold, diamonds, and precious gems, later looted by Nadir Shah of Persia in 1739.
5. Other Notable Constructions:
   • Moti Masjid in Agra Fort.
   • Shalimar Gardens in Lahore.
   • Additions to the Agra Fort and development of Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi).

Shah Jahan’s architectural works epitomise symmetry, balance, and artistic perfection, combining Persian elegance with Indian creativity.

Relations with Foreign Powers

• Persia: Relations fluctuated, particularly over control of Kandahar, which the Mughals lost permanently in 1649.
• Ottoman Empire: Maintained diplomatic exchanges, sharing cultural and artistic ties.
• European Traders:
  • During Shah Jahan’s reign, trade with Europeans — particularly the English East India Company — expanded rapidly.
  • The English and Dutch established factories in Surat and other coastal regions, marking the growing European presence in India.

Personal Life

Shah Jahan’s marriage to Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum) was central to his personal and emotional life.

• They married in 1612, and she remained his closest companion.
• Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him on military campaigns and bore him fourteen children, including Aurangzeb, Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, and Murad Baksh.
• Her death deeply affected Shah Jahan and inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal as her mausoleum.

The War of Succession (1657–1658)

In his later years, Shah Jahan’s health deteriorated, triggering a succession struggle among his four sons:

1. Dara Shikoh: The eldest, liberal and philosophical, favoured by Shah Jahan.
2. Aurangzeb: The third son, ambitious, orthodox, and militarily strong.
3. Shah Shuja: Governor of Bengal.
4. Murad Baksh: Governor of Gujarat.

Aurangzeb emerged victorious after defeating Dara Shikoh in the Battle of Samugarh (1658 CE) near Agra.

• Shah Jahan was imprisoned by Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort, where he spent the remaining eight years of his life under house arrest.
• He was cared for by his daughter Jahanara Begum during his confinement.

Death and Burial

Shah Jahan died in 1666 CE after eight years of imprisonment.

• His body was buried beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal, fulfilling his wish to rest beside his beloved queen.

Legacy

Shah Jahan’s reign symbolised the apex of Mughal splendour, combining imperial power with aesthetic refinement.
His Legacy Includes:

• Architectural Excellence: His monuments remain global symbols of India’s rich cultural heritage.
• Administrative Stability: He maintained internal peace and prosperity for most of his rule.
• Cultural Synthesis: His patronage nurtured Persian art, calligraphy, and miniature painting.
• Imperial Grandeur: His court was described by European travellers as one of the most magnificent in the world.

However, his obsession with monumental construction and extravagant spending strained the imperial treasury, which later rulers found difficult to sustain.