Taj Mahal, the magnificent monument that stands at the
heart of India has a story that has
been melting the hearts of millions of listeners since the time Taj has been
visible. A story, that although ended back in 1631, continues to live on in the
form of Taj and is considered a living example of eternal love. It's the love
story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, two people from the
course of history who set an example for the people living in present and the
future to come. An English poet, SirEdwin Arnold best describes it as "Not a piece of architecture, as
other buildings are, but the proud passion of an emperor's love wrought in
living stones." The story that follows next will prove why the statement
is true.
Shah
Jahan, initially named Prince Khurram, was born in the year 1592. He was the
son of Jehangir, the fourth Mughal emperor of India and the grandson of Akbar
the Great. In 1607 when strolling down the Meena Bazaar, accompanied by a
string of fawning courtiers, Shah Jahan caught a glimpse of a girl hawking silk
and glass beads. It was love at first sight and the girl was Mumtaz Mahal, who
was known as Arjumand Banu Begum at that time. At that time, he was 14 years
old and she, a Muslim Persian princess, was 15. After meeting her, Shah Jahan
went back to his father and declared that he wanted to marry her. The match got
solemnized after five years i.e., in the year 1612.
It
was in the year 1628 that Shah Jahan became the Emperor and entrusted Arjumand
Banu with the royal seal. He also bestowed her with the title of Mumtaz Mahal,
meaning the "Jewel of the
Palace". Though Shah Jahan had other wives also, but, Mumtaz Mahal was
his favorite and accompanied him everywhere, even on military campaigns. In the
year 1631, when Mumtaz Mahal was giving birth to their 14th child, she died due
to some complications. While Mumtaz was on her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised
her that he would never remarry and will build the richest mausoleum over her
grave.
It
is said that Shah Jahan was so heartbroken after her death that he ordered the
court into mourning for two years. Sometime after her death, Shah Jahan
undertook the task of erecting the world's most beautiful monument in the
memory of his beloved. It took 22 years and the labor of 22,000 workers to
construct the monument. When Shah Jahan died in 1666, his body was placed in a tomb
next to the tomb of Mumtaz Mahal.
This magnificent monument came to be known as"Taj Mahal" and now counts
amongst the Seven Wonders of the World.
This is the true story of the Taj Mahal of India, which has mesmerized many
people with its bewitching beauty.
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