The Taj Mahal - A love Story

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

Standing on the back of the River Yamuna, The Taj Mahal rises on a red sandstone base. A huge white marble terrace supports the famous dome surrounded by four tapering minarets. The queen’s jewel-inlaid cenotaph (tomb) lies within the dome. The workmanship is so exquisite and is described as, “having been designed by giants and finished by jewelers”. 

 

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 1658, Shah Jahan’s son overthrew his father and imprisoned him until his death in 1666. Shah Jahan had his bed aligned with a small window that overlooked the Taj Mahal. He would rest on his bed while staring at the monument built to his one true love. 

 

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

This is a rather sad tale of love, but also a wondrous story. Shah Jahan must have had an incredible love for his wife to hold her in such high regard. This was the first monument built to a woman and is one of lasting beauty, the likes of which we rarely see. 

 

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.