Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal Biography

Mumtaz Mahal was a Mughal Empress and chief consort of Emperor Shah Jahan, the 5^th emperor of Mughal Empire. Taj mahal of Agra – One among the 7 wonders of the world was built by Shah Jahan in memory of her. Her resting place is also situated there. The eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal has been made film several times on Indian screen and Taj mahal, made of white marble is regarded as the symbol of true love and romance.

Her real name is Arjumand Banu Begum and she got married to Shah Jahan, tehn known by the name Prince Khurram on 10 May 1612. She was bestowed with the title of Mumtaz Mahal, meaning "Jewel of the Palace” by none other than Shah Jahan. Though he had many wives, he shared a unique relationship with Mumtaz. She died in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. Heartbroken Shah Jahan decided to build the best monument on earth, in the name of love. It took 22 years and 22000 laborers to complete the marble building and he had already fallen ill. When Shah Jahan was imprisoned by their son Aurangazeb in Agra, he spent his last days in front of Taj mahal. He was buried near Mumtaz’s rest place.

Arjumand Banu Begum was born in Agra on 1 September 1593. Prince Khurram fell in love with her at the age of 14 and they waited for next five years till their marriage happened in 1612 AD. Though Shah Jahan had two more wives, he shared a unique bonding with Mumtaz. She was Shah Jahan's trusted companion and travelled with him across the kingdom. Among the 14 children, Aurangazeb was their sixth child who dethroned Imperial Prince Dara Shikoh to become the emperor.  7 of them died at a younger age. Mumtaz died while giving birth to their 14 child.

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Updated: September 24, 2017