Taj Mahal - Wikimedia Commons |
February is considered the month of love. We have Valentine’s Day when couples often show their love for one another – usually by going to dinner or buying chocolates. I wanted to look at a historical love story and stumbled across the reason the Taj Mahal was built. I hope you enjoy this fascinating glimpse at love in the 1600’s.
Shah Jahan on Horseback Wikimedia Commons |
The story of the Taj Mahal begins in 1607 when Shah Jahan, also known as Prince Khurram, was walking through the Meena Bazar. Arjumand Banu Begum was selling silk and glass beads in the Bazar. Prince Khurram fell in love at first sight and it is said Arjumand did also. Prince Khurram was fourteen and Arjumand was fifteen.
The prince went straight home to his father and declared his love for this young woman. Perhaps because of their youth, or their difference in stations, it was five years before their marriage was finalized. They were married in 1612.
In 1628, the prince became Shah Jahan, Emperor of India. He christened, Arjumand, Mumtaz Mahal, Jewel of the Palace. He gave her great authority. It is said he didn’t go anywhere without her because his love was so great. He had other wives but she was his special love.
Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal Wikimedia Commons |
In 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to their fourteenth child. (Although they had many children, at least seven of them died at birth or at a very young age.) On her deathbed, Shah Jahan promised to never remarry and to build a mausoleum so beautiful there would be none like it.
For the next two years after her death, the emperor grieved deeply and asked that his country grieve along with him. It is said his hair and beard turned white within a matter of months because of his grieving.
Emperor Shah Jahan, Mumtaz Mahal Wikimedia Commons |
He began the work of building the Taj Mahal in 1633, which took twenty-two years and 22,000 workers to complete. The Taj Mahal, or Crown Palace, is one of the wonders of the world. It is said to be the most well preserved and architecturally pleasing tomb in the world. English poet, Sir Edwin Arnold said of the building, “Not a piece of architecture, as other buildings are, but the proud passions of an emperor’s love wrought in living stones.”
Taj Mahal, photo By Dineshsinghdec Wikimedia Commons |
The Taj is like a jewel, sparkling in the moonlight. In the morning, the sunrise paints it with a pink glow. In the evening it turns a milky white, glowing golden in the moonrise. The Taj Mahal is a beautiful reminder of love.
Shah Jahan's Prison Photo By Wreebhoo Wikimedia Commons |
In 1665, Shah Jahan asked to have his own monument started. It is build across from the Taj Mahal and is beautiful in its own right. Shah Jahan died in 1666.
Shah Jahan Mosque Photo By RHaworth Wikimedia Commons |
Have you ever visited the Taj Mahal. I haven’t seen it in person but would love to some day. I can only imagine it is much more beautiful than the pictures show. Thank you for joining me this month. I would love to hear your thoughts.
Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.
Thanks for posting! I confess that I knew nothing about the Taj Mahal. What a beautiful story!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Connie. It was a surprise to me too. I loved this story.
DeleteHi Nancy, I enjoyed reading your post. The story is very interesting and I'm glad you found it to share with us.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen. Thank you so much for stopping by. I'm glad you enjoyed the post.
DeleteGood Morning. Thank you for sharing about this. I would find it fun to visit someday.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lori. I would love to see the Taj Mahal in all its color changes.
DeleteHi Nancy, I have visited the Taj Mahal! My daughter-in-law is from India, and a year after she and my son were married I went with them and her parents to meet family still in India. Her family is from the south part of the country but it was decided that we who were not from India needed to see this, which is in northern India. The detail work is stunning! It is also very loud there, and very crowded. The whole trip was an experience I will never forget! Thanks for posting
ReplyDeleteWow, Linda, how wonderful that you got to see the Taj Mahal in person. I'm sure the detail work is beautiful. Maybe some day. :) Thank you for sharing.
DeleteWow, I didn't know this. Thanks for posting.
ReplyDelete