The name Shah Jahan brings to our minds the picture of the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s seven wonders. He is perhaps best remembered for the grand monuments that were constructed during his reign.
The Mughal Empire reached the pinnacle of its glory during Shah Jahan’s reign; he ascended the Mughal throne in 1628 after defeating his brother Shahriyar and ruled till 1658.
Shah Jahan was earlier known as Khurram. Immediately after ascending the throne, he had to put down a rebellion of the Bundelas. This was followed by action against Khan Jahan Lodi, his governor in the Deccan. Shah Jahan then progressively conquered the Deccan region.
Shah Jahan conquered Ahmednagar in 1629 and by 1656; he had made a treaty with the Shahis of Golconda. They also had to give up some forts. Shah Jahan then tried to win back Kandahar and conquer Balkh and Badakshan in the north-west.
Shah Jahan’s health started failing by 1657. His four sons began fighting for the throne, and Aurangzeb emerged victorious. When Shah Jahan recovered from his illness, Aurangzeb put him under house arrest in Agra Fort. He was under house arrest until his death in January 1666.
Picture Credit : Google
