Shah Jahan
Topic: The Mughal Empire: Babur to Aurangzeb · NCERT: Class 8, Ch 2 "Reshaping India's Political Map"
Meaning
Shah Jahan (r. 1628–1658) was the Mughal emperor who came after his father, Jahangir. He had to fight several rebellions. He is best remembered as a great builder. Under him, Mughal architecture reached its peak with white marble, perfect balance and fine inlay work. His reign ended in a bitter war of succession among his sons.
Example
Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal at Agra as a tomb for his wife Mumtaz Mahal, and the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid at Delhi. When he fell ill in 1657, his son Aurangzeb defeated and executed the eldest son, Dara Shikoh. Aurangzeb then kept Shah Jahan imprisoned in the Agra Fort until his death in 1666.
Don't confuse with
- Jahangir: he was Shah Jahan's father (r. 1605–1627), known for painting and gardens.
- Shahjahanabad: the city Shah Jahan built in Delhi, not the emperor himself.
Related concepts
- Jahangir
- Nur Jahan
- Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri
- Chain of justice
- Itimad-ud-Daulah's tomb
- Akbar's tomb, Sikandra
- Shalimar Bagh, Srinagar
- Mughal miniature painting
- Ustad Mansur
- Muraqqa