When was Shah Jahan born and who were his parents?
Shah Jahan was born on the 5th of January 1592 in Lahore as the third son of Prince Salim, later known as Emperor Jahangir. His mother was Jagat Gosain, his chief consort.
Questions about Shah Jahan
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Why did Shah Jahan rebel against his father Jahangir in 1623?
Shah Jahan rebelled against his father because he feared Nur Jahan would poison his reputation while she wielded immense influence over state decisions. He marched an army against Jahangir but suffered defeat at Bilochpur in March 1623.
What monument did Shah Jahan build to honor Mumtaz Mahal and when did it take to complete?
The Taj Mahal took twenty years to complete and stands as the burial place for his favorite consort Mumtaz Mahal who died on the 17th of June 1631. It was constructed from white marble underlaid with brick by architects from all over the world.
How many people died during the famine that occurred between 1630 and 1632 under Shah Jahan's rule?
Two million people died of starvation during this period due to three main crop failures affecting Deccan, Gujarat, and Khandesh regions. Grocers sold dogs' flesh and mixed powdered bones with flour while parents ate their own children.
When did Shah Jahan die and where is he buried?
Shah Jahan died on the 22nd of January 1666 aged seventy-four after becoming progressively weaker while confined to bed inside Agra Fort. His body was taken to the Taj Mahal where it was interred next to Mumtaz Mahal.