Mughal emperors Shahjahan and Mumtaz.
Valentine week is going on. When there is talk of love in Indian history, the first name that is remembered is the love of Shahjahan and Mumtaz. This is not just a story of two hearts, but a relationship born between imperial grandeur which influenced the coming centuries and the world got a building like Taj Mahal, which even today common and special people from all over the world come to see. Therefore, unlike the stories of other loving couples, the story of Shahjahan-Mumtaz did not disappear from the eyes of the world, but remains young even after centuries.
But do you know that Mughal emperor Shahjahan and Mumtaz had to wait for five years for their marriage? Their love story is as unique as the world famous monument which we consider a symbol of love.
A market, a glimpse and the beginning of love
It is believed to be the year 1607 when the young prince Khurram, whom we further know as Shahjahan, was roaming in the Meena Bazaar of Agra. This market was set up on special occasions, where the ladies of the court would sell goods at small shops and the prince would also interact with the ladies of the court while purchasing goods from those shops.
It was in this Meena Bazaar that the prince’s eyes fell on a beautiful, simple and serious girl. This was Arjumand Bano Begum, who later became famous as Mumtaz Mahal. Historians say that Arjumand Bano’s personality had deep charm. She was educated, intelligent and also had a very calm nature. In just a glance, Prince Khurram felt that she was worthy of becoming his companion. On the same day, the Crown Prince expressed his desire to marry Arjumand Banu to his father Emperor Jahangir.
Mumtaz Mahal.
Why wait for five years?
Jahangir had given consent for the marriage, but due to the traditions and politics of the Mughal court, this marriage could not take place immediately. There were many reasons behind those five years. Rajkumar’s pre-arranged relationships were the biggest obstacle in this. Khurram’s marriage had already been arranged in the court due to some political reasons. Yes, in those times marriages took place under contract. The royal family often married to suit their strategic needs.
The marriage with Arjumand Bano was motivated by love, hence it became possible only after political marriages. During this time, the Mughal Empire was struggling with conflicts and administrative issues on many fronts. Khurram and Arjumand Bano stopped seeing each other during this entire time, because according to royal customs, such closeness before marriage was not considered appropriate. Despite this, the attraction that developed between the two grew stronger with time.
Mughal emperor Shahjahan.
That auspicious day of 1612 when the marriage took place
Finally, on 10 May 1612, the day came when the marriage of Prince Khurram and Arjumand Bano took place. At the time of marriage, Khurram was only 20 years old and Arjumand was 19 years old. After marriage, Arjumand was given the title of Mumtaz Mahal, which means the chosen and beloved queen of the palace. The interesting thing is that Shahjahan had many marriages, but historians unanimously believe that only Mumtaz lived in Shahjahan’s heart. She was also Shah Jahan’s most trusted advisor in politics, state affairs and personal decisions.
Love, partnership and Mumtaz’s influence
Mumtaz was not only beautiful, but also very intelligent and sensitive. She often accompanied Shahjahan on campaigns and was not happy to stay away from him for a long time. The relationship between Shahjahan and Mumtaz was based on mutual respect. It was about partnership in politics. There was personal and emotional understanding. Mumtaz’s presence was a source of inspiration for Shahjahan. While other queens remained engrossed in their own worlds in the royal court, Mumtaz Mahal was seen standing with the emperor on every important occasion.
Taj Mahal.
The mother of 14 children and that tragic end
The most touching thing about the love between Shahjahan and Mumtaz is that Mumtaz Mahal stayed with the emperor in every happiness and sorrow. This love blessed both of them with 14 children. But in 1631, Mumtaz died while giving birth to her 14th child. This moment was the biggest sorrow of Shahjahan’s life. Historians write that Mumtaz’s death broke Shahjahan to the core.
architectural monument of love
In memory of his beloved queen, Shah Jahan ordered to build a monument that could become an eternal symbol of love. The construction of Taj Mahal started in the year 1632 and in about 22 years this amazing building came before the world. Taj Mahal is not just a marble mausoleum, but is the story of love born between two hearts which crossed every obstacle of time, society and politics.
Shahjahan-Mumtaz’s love document
In-depth details of the lives of Shahjahan and Mumtaz and Mughal Gulshan are available in Abraham Eraly’s book The Mughal World: Life in India’s Last Golden Age and John Miller’s book The Taj Mahal. Academic sources based on Mughal history such as The New Cambridge History of India: The Mughal Empire also provide very specific information on this relationship.
essence of love story
The story of Shahjahan and Mumtaz tells us that love was not just romance, but patience, trust and partnership. Waiting five years may seem like a long time in today’s world, but for them it was time to solidify the foundation of love. On Valentine’s Week, this story reminds us that true love proves itself on the test of time and circumstances.
Also read: Did Alauddin Khilji see Queen Padmavati in the mirror? Know the truth of the controversial story
