History

Is The Taj Mahal, Really A Symbol Of ‘Love’?

There are stories that you may know, but there are facts that you surely don’t.

The Taj Mahal, in Agra (India). Credits: Pinterest

The Taj Mahal has been sold to the world as the epitome of love, dedication, and a symbolic heritage, from a husband to his dear wife.

A wife, who left the world, and also her husband behind after her death. But the big question is — do you even know the real history of the Taj Mahal, or the emperor ‘Shah Jahan’ who got it commissioned?

Let’s travel back to the 17th century, when Mumtaz Mahal, the wife of Shah Jahan was alive.

In frame — Mumtaz Mahal, a portrait of the dead queen. Credits: Cush Travels

The Life Of Mumtaz Mahal

Before we judge the actions of the emperor, let us look at who Mumtaz Mahal really was, and how did her life look like.

Born as Arjumand Banu Begum in Agra in 1593, she belonged to a Persian family. Her father was the Prime Minister during Shah Jahan’s reign, and her grandfather was the Prime Minister during Shah Jahan’s father Jehangir’s reign. Her aunt was married to Jehangir himself.