Shah Jahan ascended to the throne in 1628, following the death of his father, Jahangir.
During his reign, Shah Jahan continued the Mughal Empire’s policy of expanding its territory through military conquests, including campaigns against the Deccan Sultanates in southern India.
Shah Jahan was also known for his patronage of the arts, including architecture, painting, and literature. He commissioned several important works of art and architecture, including the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most famous monuments.
Shah Jahan was a devout Muslim, and during his reign, he encouraged the development of Islamic scholarship and the construction of mosques and other religious buildings.
In 1639, Shah Jahan established a new capital city for the Mughal Empire, known as Shahjahanabad (now known as Old Delhi).
Shah Jahan’s reign saw the continuation of the Mughal Empire’s policy of religious tolerance, with Hindus, Muslims, and other religious groups living side by side in relative harmony.
In 1644, Shah Jahan’s son Dara Shikoh was born, who would later become one of the most influential figures in Mughal history.
In 1658, Shah Jahan fell ill, and a power struggle broke out among his four sons over who would succeed him to the throne.
The power struggle resulted in a civil war, known as the War of the Four Corners, which lasted for several years and caused widespread devastation across the Mughal Empire.
In 1659, Shah Jahan’s son Aurangzeb emerged as the victor in the War of the Four Corners, and he had his father imprisoned in the Agra Fort.
Shah Jahan remained imprisoned for the rest of his life, and he died in 1666.
During his reign, Shah Jahan was known for his lavish lifestyle and his love of luxury, which included building magnificent buildings and collecting expensive jewels and works of art.
Shah Jahan was also known for his administrative reforms, which helped to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Mughal Empire’s government.
In addition to his patronage of the arts, Shah Jahan also encouraged the development of science and technology, including medicine and astronomy.
Shah Jahan’s reign saw the construction of several important landmarks, including the Red Fort, the Jama Masjid, and the Moti Masjid, all of which still stand in Delhi today.
Shah Jahan was also known for his military campaigns in Afghanistan, Central Asia, and the Deccan, which helped to expand the Mughal Empire’s territory.
In 1648, Shah Jahan’s beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal died while giving birth to their 14th child, and he commissioned the construction of the Taj Mahal in her memory.
The Taj Mahal, which was completed in 1653, is widely regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful and iconic buildings, and it remains a popular tourist destination to this day.
During his reign, Shah Jahan also encouraged the growth of trade and commerce, both within the Mughal Empire and with other countries, including England and Portugal.
Shah Jahan was also known for his efforts to promote agriculture and industry, including the construction of new canals and irrigation systems, and the establishment of textile and ceramics factories.
Shah Jahan was a firm believer in the importance of education, and during his reign, he established several new schools
Shah Jahan also commissioned the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal in Agra as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631.
Shah Jahan’s reign was also marked by several rebellions and uprisings, including the Bundela Rebellion in 1632 and the Satnami Rebellion in 1672.
In 1657, Shah Jahan fell seriously ill, which led to a war of succession between his four sons. Aurangzeb emerged victorious and imprisoned his father in the Agra Fort, where he spent the rest of his life.
Shah Jahan’s reign also saw significant developments in art, literature, and architecture. He was a patron of the arts and commissioned many buildings and monuments, including the Jama Masjid in Delhi and the Moti Masjid in Agra Fort.
Under Shah Jahan’s rule, the Mughal Empire became one of the wealthiest and most prosperous empires in the world. Its territories extended from present-day Afghanistan to Bengal, and it was a major center of trade and commerce.
The reign of Shah Jahan also saw the growth of the Mughal military, which became one of the most powerful in the world. The Mughal army was highly disciplined and organized, and it played a crucial role in expanding and consolidating the empire’s territories.
Shah Jahan was succeeded by his son Aurangzeb, who was a devout Muslim and implemented policies that were seen as oppressive by many Hindus. His reign marked the beginning of the decline of the Mughal Empire.
Aurangzeb’s reign was marked by several wars and rebellions, including the Maratha Wars, which lasted from 1680 to 1707.
Aurangzeb also faced opposition from several religious groups, including the Sikhs, who were persecuted by his policies.
The Mughal Empire began to decline rapidly under Aurangzeb’s rule, due to factors such as corruption, military overstretch, and the growth of regional powers such as the Marathas.
