A love that transcended the boundaries of life and death and became immortal.

It was a beautiful day, and the markets were in their glorious splendour. Prince Khurram could not help but turn to the streets of the celebrated Meena Bazar. The Bazar was full of sights, smells and sounds, but Prince Khurram could look only at a beautiful girl who was all in her glory. Though the Meena Bazar was full of vibrancy, Prince Khurram only had eyes for that beautiful Persian girl.

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal

Shah Jahan, born Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, was the son of Mughal emperor Jahangir and grandson of emperor Akbar. As the story above narrates, Shah Jahan, who was known as Prince Khurram, fell in love with Arjumand Banu Begum or Mumtaz Mahal, who was the daughter of Asaf Khan, who was queen Noorjahan’s brother. They were betrothed but got married five years later, in the year 1612. Though Shah Jahan was married before tying the knot with Mumtaz Mahal, it was just a political alliance. After their marriage, Anjumand Banu was given the title of Mumtaz Mahal.

The tragedy

Mumtaz Mahal held an exalted position not only in the royal harem but also in the Mughal court. It is noted by various writers and historians that Mumtaz Mahal was a trusted confidant of Shah Jahan, and Shah Jahan also consulted her often in matters regarding the state. Mumtaz Mahal was the mother to 13 of Shah Jahan’s children. Shah Jahan always had Mumtaz travel with him to military campaigns even while she was pregnant. Their love and closeness was the talk of the town. While accompanying Shah Jahan in a military campaign in Deccan, Mumtaz Mahal passed away, giving birth to the couple’s 14^th child. It is said that Shah Jahan completely broke down and was inconsolable. He apparently mourned one year in seclusion, and when he came out of his seclusion, he looked aged and haggard.

The ultimate symbol of love-Taj Mahal   

Afterwards, Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum for his beloved wife. It is said that Shah Jahan took a personal interest in the execution and design of the Taj Mahal. He was obsessed with the idea of bringing “Jannat” or heaven on earth in the form of the Taj Mahal and make that eternal resting place for his beloved.

During his last days, he gazed at the Taj Mahal fondly from his window and dreamt of reuniting with his long-lost love.