People often say that India was once a golden bird and its wealth was lost with the arrival of the Mughals, but many sources of history prove this notion wrong. In fact, it was during the Mughal rule that India reached the highest level of economic and cultural prosperity. Especially the period from Akbar to Shahjahan is considered as the strongest economic situation in Indian history.

According to historians, the time of Shahjahan was the period when India was the largest and richest economy in the world, but it is also true that it was Akbar who laid the foundation of this prosperity. Akbar strengthened the administrative structure, provided relief to the farmers, simplified the revenue system and maintained law and order throughout the empire. For this reason, India remained on top in the world economy for the next 150 years.

Golden Age of Mughal Era

Harmony remained between different castes and communities during Akbar’s rule. Trade grew rapidly, artisans and artists got patronage. The internal markets of the country became very powerful. This was the same time when India’s international identity became that of a prosperous, well-organized and culturally superior nation. After this, Jahangir and Shahjahan further strengthened the empire on this foundation.

Elon Musk and Akbar’s wealth

According to the report of Aberdeen Asia and Money.com, Akbar’s wealth as of today was 21 trillion dollars, which in Indian currency is approximately Rs 1750 lakh crore. According to the Forbes report, the total wealth of Elon Musk was around 500 billion dollars in October 2025, which is approximately (about Rs 41-42 lakh crore) in Indian currency. Seen in this way, Elon Musk’s wealth is like cumin in the camel’s mouth in front of Akbar.

India’s economic power – a quarter of the world’s wealth

Many historians estimate that India during the Mughal period alone had a share of about 25 percent of the world’s total economy. Today it is considered equal to the combined economic power of America and China. At that time, most of the countries of Europe were in poor condition and were surprised to see the prosperity of India.

India full of opulence in the eyes of foreign travelers

During the Mughal period, foreign travelers coming to India were stunned to see the splendor of this place. French traveler Tavernier wrote that there is no shortage of money in India and the markets here are the richest in the world. François Bernier called India heaven on earth and said that the things here were more beautiful and cheaper than those in Europe. The English traveler Thomas Roe was stunned to see the grandeur of the Mughal court and wrote that even the kings of Europe could not match this grandeur.

Shahjahan and the amazing glory of the Mughal court

Shahjahan’s court was the subject of discussion all over the world for its pomp, beauty and luxury. His famous Peacock Throne, which was made of gold and precious gems. In today’s price it is estimated to be approximately Rs 1 lakh 35 thousand crore. Many travelers also wrote that Shahjahan used to get diamonds and pearls showered on special occasions. According to the official website of Taj Mahal, during the time of Shahjahan, the revenue coming from land alone was equal to 20.75 million pounds.

How did India become so rich?

India’s prosperity increased rapidly during the Mughal period due to many reasons. The fertile fields gave huge production of grains, the skill of the artisans gave global recognition to textiles, metal art, brocade and silk fabrics and the trade of spices made India top in the whole world. India was rich in natural resources and almost every item was produced within the country, due to which self-reliance remained strong.

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If anything is called the most precious thing in Mughal history, then it is not the Taj Mahal but the famous Peacock Throne of Shahjahan that comes on top. This was a throne in which the amount of gold and gems used to make it were never seen in any other royal object. It is said that even foreign travelers were stunned to see its brightness.

Immediately after assuming the throne, Shahjahan decided to build a throne that would suit his grandeur. It started under the leadership of Ustad Saad-ul-Gilani. Gold, diamonds, emeralds, rubies and priceless pearls imported from all over the world adorned this throne. After about seven years of hard work, Shahjahan sat on it for the first time in 1635.

unique structure in the world

French traveler Trevernier had the opportunity to see Shahjahan’s throne up close. According to him, there were two peacocks mounted on the throne whose feathers were shining with colorful gems. In the middle was a beautiful form of Kalpavriksha, which was decorated with different precious stones. The golden pillars supporting the entire throne and the hanging pearl strings made it even more amazing. Many foreign travelers of that time called it the king of treasures.

How much did it cost?

In the year 1635, the price of the Peacock Throne was estimated at Rs 10 crore 70 lakh and as of today, its value is more than Rs 1.35 lakh crore. Till date no royal throne in the world has been able to match it. It is believed that the famous Kohinoor diamond was also once a part of it. According to the ADA report, the cost of building Taj Mahal at that time was Rs 3 crore 20 lakh.

Nadir Shah’s plunder and departure from India

In 1739, Nadir Shah, the ruler of Iran, took this throne with him after conquering Delhi. Along with him, Kohinoor and many other precious gems also reached Iran. This incident is counted among the biggest loot of Mughal wealth.

The disappearance of the throne—an unsolved mystery

After the assassination of Nadir Shah, anarchy spread in Iran. In this turmoil the Peacock Throne suddenly disappeared. Historians believe that it was broken into pieces and its gems were sold separately. Some parts later appeared in the Iranian Sun Throne, but the original throne has never been found.

Kohinoor’s long journey

After separation from the throne, the Kohinoor diamond passed through many hands and reached Punjab and was taken to Britain after the British occupation in 1849. Today it is part of the British Crown Jewels. In later times, Mughal rulers tried to make a copy of this throne, but it could never attain the grandeur of the original. That replica was also lost to history in the Revolt of 1857.

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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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