Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor, known for his architectural achievements, expansion of the empire, and military campaigns. His reign is considered the golden age of Mughal architecture, but it ended with his imprisonment by his son Aurangzeb.
Basic Information on Shah Jahan
- Full Name: Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram (Shah Jahan)
- Born: 5 January 1592 CE
- Birthplace: Lahore, Pakistan
- Dynasty: Mughal Dynasty
- Father: Jahangir
- Mother: Jagat Gosain (Rajput Princess of Marwar)
- Major Battles: Mughal conquest of Deccan, Kandahar wars, Balkh expedition
- Religious Policy: Followed Islamic traditions, less tolerant than Akbar and Jahangir
- Major Achievements: Built Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, expanded Mughal Empire
- Death: 22 January 1666 CE (Agra, imprisoned by Aurangzeb)
Accession to the Throne (1628 CE)
- Defeated his rivals after Jahangir’s death in 1627.
- Executed Nur Jahan’s relatives and rivals to secure the throne.
- Proclaimed himself Emperor in 1628 CE at Agra.
Military Campaigns and Expansion
1. Deccan Conquests (1636-1647)
- Defeated Ahmadnagar and Golconda, expanding Mughal control.
- Made Bijapur and Golconda tributary states.
2. War with Persia Over Kandahar (1649–1653)
- Persians (Safavids) captured Kandahar (1649).
- Shah Jahan sent three unsuccessful campaigns to retake Kandahar (1653).
3. Balkh and Badakhshan Campaign (1646-1647)
- Attempted to expand Mughal rule in Central Asia.
- Campaign failed due to harsh conditions and Afghan resistance.
4. Conflict with the Portuguese (1631)
- Defeated the Portuguese in Bengal, reducing their power.
- Strengthened Mughal control over Indian Ocean trade.
Administration and Policies of Shah Jahan
1. Centralized Mughal Administration
- Followed Akbar’s Mansabdari System to control nobility.
- Strengthened provincial governors, but kept strict control over revenue collection.
2. Revenue Reforms
- Continued Raja Todar Mal’s land revenue system.
- Increased agricultural taxes, which led to economic hardships.
3. Religious Policies
- Less tolerant than Akbar and Jahangir but did not impose Jizya tax.
- Ordered destruction of a few Hindu temples, but also patronized Rajput rulers.
Golden Age of Mughal Architecture
Shah Jahan’s reign is famous for its architectural achievements. He built some of the most beautiful monuments in India.
1. Taj Mahal (1632-1653) – Symbol of Love
- Built in Agra for his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
- Made of white marble with Persian and Mughal architectural styles.
- Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
2. Red Fort (Delhi, 1639-1648)
- Built as the new capital (Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi).
- Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas (Halls of Public and Private Audiences) are located here.
3. Jama Masjid (Delhi, 1656)
- Largest mosque in India, built near Red Fort.
4. Moti Masjid (Agra, 1653)
- Pearl Mosque, famous for its white marble design.
5. Shalimar Gardens (Lahore, 1641)
- Mughal garden inspired by Persian architecture.
Shah Jahan’s Family and Mughal Succession War (1657-1658)
1. Four Sons and the War of Succession
- Dara Shikoh (Eldest) – Liberal, favored by Shah Jahan.
- Aurangzeb – Militarily strong, orthodox Muslim, defeated his brothers.
- Shah Shuja – Governor of Bengal, lost against Aurangzeb.
- Murad Baksh – Governor of Gujarat, executed by Aurangzeb.
2. Aurangzeb’s Victory and Shah Jahan’s Imprisonment (1658)
- Aurangzeb defeated Dara Shikoh in the Battle of Samugarh (1658).
- Imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort until his death (1666).
- Shah Jahan spent his last years looking at the Taj Mahal from his prison window.
Comparison: Shah Jahan vs. Akbar
| Feature | Shah Jahan | Akbar |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Policy | Followed Islam, less tolerant | Universal Tolerance (Sulh-i-Kul) |
| Military Expansion | Deccan, Kandahar wars, failed Balkh campaign | Rajput alliances, North India conquest |
| Administrative Reforms | Continued Mansabdari system | Introduced Mansabdari system |
| Architectural Achievements | Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid | Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort |
| Foreign Relations | Trade with British, lost Kandahar to Persia | Maintained Central Asian influence |
Key Facts for Quick Revision
- Shah Jahan = “King of the World” (Title).
- Built Taj Mahal (1632-1653) for Mumtaz Mahal.
- Established Red Fort and Jama Masjid in Delhi.
- Expanded Mughal Empire in Deccan (1636-1647).
- Lost Kandahar to Persia (1649-1653).
- Aurangzeb defeated him and imprisoned him in Agra Fort (1658-1666).
- Died in 1666, buried next to Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal.
MCQs on Shah Jahan
1. What was the most famous architectural achievement of Shah Jahan?
A) Red Fort
B) Jama Masjid
C) Taj Mahal
D) Fatehpur Sikri
✅ Answer: C) Taj Mahal
2. Which Mughal prince defeated Shah Jahan and imprisoned him?
A) Dara Shikoh
B) Shah Shuja
C) Aurangzeb
D) Murad Baksh
✅ Answer: C) Aurangzeb
3. Which Persian ruler captured Kandahar from the Mughals during Shah Jahan’s reign?
A) Nadir Shah
B) Shah Abbas II
C) Humayun
D) Babur
✅ Answer: B) Shah Abbas II
4. Where was Shah Jahan imprisoned by Aurangzeb?
A) Delhi
B) Agra Fort
C) Red Fort
D) Lahore
✅ Answer: B) Agra Fort
5. Which Mughal city was developed by Shah Jahan as his new capital?
A) Fatehpur Sikri
B) Shahjahanabad (Delhi)
C) Lahore
D) Agra
✅ Answer: B) Shahjahanabad (Delhi)
Subjective Questions for Further Revision
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Shah Jahan, and what were his major achievements?
- Describe the War of Succession (1657-1658) between Shah Jahan’s sons.
- What is the significance of the Taj Mahal?
- Why did Shah Jahan lose Kandahar to Persia?
- How did Aurangzeb imprison Shah Jahan?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss Shah Jahan’s contributions to Mughal architecture.
- Explain the causes and results of the Mughal War of Succession (1657-1658).
- Compare Shah Jahan’s policies with Akbar’s policies.
- What were the military campaigns of Shah Jahan?
- Describe Shah Jahan’s administration and revenue policies.