Story Summary
Discover the legendary romance of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, a tale of deep devotion that inspired the creation of the Taj Mahal, the world's most beautiful monument.
In the vibrant heart of the Mughal Empire, Prince Khurram, the future Emperor Shah Jahan, first encountered Arjumand Banu Begum at a bazaar. It was love at first sight, a connection that transcended political alliances. They married in 1612, and he bestowed upon her the title 'Mumtaz Mahal,' meaning 'the Exalted One of the Palace.' Their bond was inseparable; she was not only his beloved wife but also his closest confidante and political advisor, accompanying him even on military campaigns. In 1631, while giving birth to their fourteenth child, Mumtaz Mahal passed away. Devastated by the loss, the Emperor’s hair turned grey overnight. To fulfill his promise to build her a tomb that the world would never forget, he summoned the finest architects and craftsmen. For over twenty years, twenty thousand workers labored to create the Taj Mahal, a masterpiece of white marble that stands today as the ultimate symbol of eternal devotion.
The Moral
True love is an eternal force that can inspire humanity to create beauty that transcends the passage of time and death.
“For a love that was timeless, a monument was built to defy time itself.”
Fun Fact
The Taj Mahal is perfectly symmetrical except for one detail: the cenotaph of Shah Jahan, which was placed next to Mumtaz Mahal's after his death, breaking the building's geometric balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz?
The story teaches that love is a powerful, enduring legacy that can manifest in acts of incredible beauty. It shows that while life is fleeting, the devotion we show to others can leave an immortal mark on the world.
Is the story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz a true story?
Yes, it is a historical account from 17th-century India. Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal Emperor, and he truly built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Why did Shah Jahan build the Taj Mahal?
He built it to honor a deathbed promise to Mumtaz Mahal. He wanted to create a monument that symbolized their eternal love and provided her with a final resting place of unparalleled beauty.
How did Mumtaz Mahal die?
Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 in Burhanpur due to complications during the birth of her fourteenth child, a daughter named Gauhara Begum. Her death left the Emperor in a state of profound grief for the rest of his life.
Where are Shah Jahan and Mumtaz buried today?
They are both buried in a lower crypt beneath the main chamber of the Taj Mahal in Agra, India. Their cenotaphs are visible to visitors in the main hall above the actual burial site.
How long did it take to build the Taj Mahal?
The construction of the Taj Mahal began around 1632 and was completed in its entirety by 1653. It took roughly 22 years and the labor of approximately 20,000 workers to finish the complex.
