Shah Jahan Biography: Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Ethnicity, Wife, Children, Obituary

Shah Jahan, born Prince Khurram, was the fifth Mughal emperor, reigning from 1628 to 1658.

He is best known for commissioning the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum built in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, which stands as a testament to Mughal architecture and has become an iconic symbol of India.

His reign is often regarded as the golden age of Mughal architecture, marked by the construction of several monumental structures.  

Profile

• Full name: Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Shah Jahan
• Date of birth: January 5, 1592
• Age as of 2025: Deceased
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Lahore, Mughal Empire (present-day Pakistan)
• Nationality: Mughal
• Profession: Emperor
• Height: N/A
• Parents: Emperor Jahangir (father), Rajput princess Manmati (mother)
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum), Akbarabadi Mahal, Kandahari Mahal, Hasina Begum Sahiba, Muti Begum Sahiba, Qudsia Begum Sahiba, Fatehpuri Mahal, Sarhindi Begum Sahiba, Shrimati Manbhavathi Baiji Lal Sahiba
• Children: Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, Jahanara Begum, and others (a total of 14 children, seven survived into adulthood)
• Relationship status: Deceased
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Mughal (Turco-Mongol)
• Net worth: $1+ billion (modern estimation)

Early Life and Education

Shah Jahan, born on January 5, 1592, in Lahore, was the third son of Emperor Jahangir and the Rajput princess Mumtaz Mahal. His upbringing was influenced by both Islamic and Rajput traditions, reflecting the diverse cultural milieu of the Mughal court.  

Educated in various disciplines, he received training in Persian, Arabic, and the arts, preparing him for future leadership. His early exposure to governance and military affairs under his father’s reign provided him with the experience necessary to navigate the complexities of imperial rule.

Personal Life

In 1612, Shah Jahan married Arjumand Banu Begum, later known as Mumtaz Mahal, the niece of Empress Nur Jahan. Their union was marked by deep affection, and Mumtaz became his trusted companion and advisor.  

She bore him fourteen children, including notable figures such as Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Jahanara Begum. Tragically, Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 during childbirth.

In her memory, Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra, a project that took over two decades to complete. Beyond Mumtaz, Shah Jahan had several other wives, including Akbarabadi Mahal and Kandahari Mahal, as was customary for emperors of his time.

Career

Ascending the throne in 1628 after the death of his father, Jahangir, Shah Jahan’s reign was marked by significant architectural achievements and military campaigns.

He expanded the empire’s territories through campaigns in the Deccan and against the Safavid Empire. Administratively, he implemented reforms to streamline governance and revenue collection.  

His patronage of the arts led to the construction of several iconic structures, including the Red Fort in Delhi and the Jama Masjid. However, his reign also faced challenges, including rebellions and succession disputes among his sons.

Net Worth

Shah Jahan’s net worth, as per modern estimations, would be worth at least $1 billion.

Death

Shah Jahan died on January 22, 1666, in Agra after being under house arrest for eight years by his son Aurangzeb, who had deposed him in 1658. He was buried alongside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal, the monument he had built in her memory.

Controversy

Shah Jahan’s reign, while celebrated for its architectural achievements, was not without controversy. His decision to imprison his father, Jahangir, during a succession struggle, and later, his deposition and imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb, highlight the turbulent nature of Mughal succession politics.

Additionally, the immense resources allocated to monumental constructions like the Taj Mahal have been critiqued for placing economic strains on the empire. Some historians argue that such expenditures contributed to the financial difficulties faced by his successors.

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