New Delhi: Mumtaz Mahal was one of those women in the Mughal Empire who not only wielded immense power in the imperial court but left behind a legacy which would stand the test of time. Rather, the legacy of Mumtaz is greater than that of many kings and emperors, for her death led to the creation of the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. In this article, we will look at the life of the woman whose demise broke Shah Jahan in a way that he would never recover completely and regain his full strength.
What was the original name of Mumtaz Mahal?
The original name of Mumtaz Mahal was Arjumand Banu. She was born on October 29, 1593, in Agra to Asaf Khan and his wife Diwanji Begum. Asaf was a prominent person in the imperial court. In 1577, his family came to India in an impoverished state and his father Mirza Ghias Beg was employed by Emperor Akbar. Notably, Asaf was the older brother of Nur Jahan, the chief queen of Jahangir and the de facto ruler of the Mughal Empire for a considerable amount of time.
Was Mumtaz Mahal a talented person?
Yes. Mumtaz excelled in learning and was a talented and cultured lady. She was fluent in Arabic and Persian and could write poems in the latter. She was a modest person who was straightforward and also self-possessed. On top of those, she was known for her beauty as well, which led many important nobles to ask for her hand in marriage. When the marriage proposal between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal was raised, Jahangir readily agreed to their engagement.
When did Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal get married?
In April 1607, she was betrothed to Shah Jahan. At that time, she was 14 years old and Shah Jahan was 15. In 1612, they got married in Agra. Shah Jahan, after the wedding, gave her the title Mumtaz Mahal which means ‘the exalted one of the Palace’. Before Mumtaz, in 1610, Shah Jahan had married Princess Kandahari Begum as a political alliance.
Did Shah Jahan love Mumtaz Mahal?
Yes. Shah Jahan had two other wives but his entire focus was on Mumtaz. Motamid Khan, the official court chronicler, wrote in ‘Iqbal Namah-e-Jahangiri’ that the intimacy and deep affection that Shah Jahan had for Mumtaz was far more than what he had for his other wives, a fact echoed by Inayat Khan, the historian of Shah Jahan.
Mumtaz not only acted as Shah Jahan’s wife but also as the Mughal Emperor’s trusted aide. He used to consult Mumtaz in both private and state affairs and she was his close confidant and adviser. She sat next to the emperor both in the Diwan-e-Khas and Diwan-e-Am behind a curtain. If she disagreed with something in court, she would express herself by placing her hand on his back. Mumtaz had immense political power and even influenced Shah Jahan to forgive enemies. He even gave her his imperial seal, the Mehr Uzaz. However, unlike her aunt Nur Jahan, Mumtaz had no political aspirations.
How did Mumtaz Mahal die?
On June 17, 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died from postpartum hemorrhage. Her death reportedly made Shah Jahan inconsolable. He spent a year in secluded mourning. When he reappeared, it was a different Shah Jahan with white hair, bent back and a worn face. It was Jahanara Begum, the eldest daughter of Mumtaz who slowly nursed her father back to health and took the place of Mumtaz at court. Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal. Both the graves of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan are at the Taj Mahal and the structure is considered to be a monument of undying love.
Mumtaz not only acted as Shah Jahan’s wife but also as the Mughal Emperor’s trusted aide. He used to consult Mumtaz in both private and state affairs and she was his close confidant and adviser. knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge
