By Admin 
There are many love stories recorded in Mughal history, but the story of Shahjahan and Mumtaz Mahal is the most famous. The Taj Mahal of Agra, known as the symbol of love, is a permanent monument of this deep love and loyalty. Mumtaz Mahal’s real name was Arjumand Bano Begum. She was the 13th wife of Shahjahan. According to historians, Shahjahan married many people, but his love for Mumtaz was the truest. According to Italian historian Nicolao Manucci, Shah Jahan spent more time with Mumtaz than his administrative duties and she also supported him in state affairs.
In the year 1631, Mumtaz Mahal became seriously ill while giving birth to her 14th child. After about 30 hours of labor pain, she breathed her last on 17 June 1631. Before dying, he took two promises from Shahjahan, first that he would not have children from any other woman. Secondly, a beautiful garden and mausoleum will be built in his memory, so that people can remember his love. Shahjahan kept both the promises. He remained alone in the memory of Mumtaz throughout his life and built the Taj Mahal in her memory.
Burial for the first time in Burhanpur
Mumtaz Mahal died in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, where Shahjahan was on a campaign with the Mughal army. He was temporarily buried there in a beautiful garden on the banks of river Tapti. Shahjahan had thought of building a permanent tomb there, but this plan was changed due to the land and the direction of the river not being favourable.
Buried for the second time on the banks of Yamuna in Agra
A few months later, Shahjahan ordered that Mumtaz’s body be brought to Agra. He was re-buried on 8 January 1632 near Agra Fort on the banks of river Yamuna. This was his second temporary resting place, but Shahjahan’s mind was still disturbed. He wanted to build a mausoleum for Mumtaz, which would always be a symbol of his love.
Buried for the third time in Taj Mahal
Shahjahan decided for the third time to build a permanent mausoleum for Mumtaz. He gave the responsibility of the construction work to Iranian architect Mukammat Khan Jahangir. The foundation of a huge complex was laid on the banks of Yamuna, which was then called Rauza-e-Munawwara. This later became famous by the name of Taj Mahal. Mumtaz’s mortal remains were buried with great reverence under the main dome of the Taj Mahal. Later, after the death of Shahjahan, he was also buried near the grave of Mumtaz.
construction of Taj Mahal
Shahjahan kept every promise he made to Mumtaz. He built a mausoleum in his memory, which became a wonder of the world. Historian Inayat Khan writes in his book Shahjahanama that until the construction of Taj Mahal was completed, Shahjahan remained restless. As soon as it was ready, he felt that his promise had now been fulfilled. Taj Mahal was constructed between 1632 and 1648. It is completely made of white marble and its carving and inlay still amazes the world.
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