Shah Jahan: The Architectural Genius of the Mughal Empire

Following Jahangir’s death in 1627, Shah Jahan assumed the throne in Agra with support from nobles and the military. Under his emperorship, the Mughals reached the peak of their architectural achievements and cultural glory.

Shah Jahan (1628-1658 AD): A Reign of Dynastic Strife and Architectural Splendor 

1. Major Events/Battles in India

• Shahaji’s Defeat: In 1629, he defeated Shivaji’s father, Shahaji in the Khandesh region.
• Defeat of Portuguese: In 1632, he defeated the Portuguese at Hugli (for illegal trade practises). 
• Deccan: Launched campaign against Ahmadnagar, Bijapur, and Golconda.
• North-west: the campaign to seize Balkh from the Uzbegs was unsuccessful and Qandahar was lost to the Safavids. 
  • Afghan noble Khan Jahan Lodi rebelled and was defeated.
• Bundelas: were defeated and Orchha seized.

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2. Administration

• Expansion of the Mansabdari System: There was an exceptional increase in the number of mansabdars, consuming more than three-fourths of the revenues of the state.
• Neglect of Military Innovation: He neglected vital aspects of armoury, took little interest in developing better firearms and made no investments in the science of ordnance.
• Reformation of Court Etiquette: The highest form of submission Sijda (complete prostration) was replaced with Chahar Taslim (mode of salutation done four times) and Zaminbos (kissing the ground).

3. Art and Architecture

• Architectural Zenith of the Mughal Empire: The Mughal empire reached its architectural zenith under Shah Jahan.
  • In 1631, Shah Jahan started the construction of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Bano Begum). 
  • It was completed in 1648.
• Key Architects of the Taj Mahal: Ustad Isa and Isa Muhammad Effendi were the chief architects, while Ismail Khan designed the dome of the Taj Mahal.
• Flourishing Mosque Construction: During Shah Jahan’s reign mosque-building flourished, with notable constructions including:-
  • Moti Masjid in Agra (crafted entirely in white marble). 
  • Sheesh Mahal and Mussaman Burj in Agra.
  • Jama Masjid in Delhi was built using red stone.
• Pinnacle of Fort-Building: Shah Jahan’s reign saw the pinnacle of fort-building, which included the Red Fort in Delhi with the Rang Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, and Diwan-i-Khas.
• Shahjahanabad City:  Established by Shah Jahan as the new capital of the Mughal Empire, present-day Old Delhi.
  •  He is also credited with the construction of Shalimar Bagh in Lahore
• Magnificence of the Peacock Throne: The famous Peacock Throne in the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences, or Ministers’ Room) in the Red Fort of Delhi was built for Shah Jahan.
• Literature: Inayat Khan authored ‘Shah Jahan Nama.’ (an unillustrated chronicle of the reign of Shah Jahan)
  • His court historian Abdul Hameed Lahori authored ‘Badshah Nama.’ (an illustrated group of works written as the official history of the reign of Shah Jahan)
• War of Succession: In 1657-1658, there was conflict over succession amongst Shah Jahan’s sons. Aurangzeb was victorious and his three brothers, including Dara Shukoh, were killed. 
  • Shah Jahan was imprisoned for the rest of his life in Agra
• War of Deorai (Ajmer)(March 1659): This was the final war between Aurangzeb and Dara Shikoh, in which Aurangzeb was victorious.
• Religious Policy: Orthodox religious policy, reflecting the influence of revivalist forces within Islam, notably the Naqshbandi Sufis.
  • There was a departure from Akbar’s more liberal and inclusive policies. 

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Conclusion

Shah Jahan’s era marked a time of unparalleled architectural brilliance but also internal discord, culminating in the tragic War of Succession. Despite the strife, his legacy endures through iconic monuments like the Taj Mahal, immortalizing his reign as a golden age of Mughal architecture.