Shahjahan was the fifth Mughal
emperor and most prolific builder in Indian history. Shahjahan ascended to
the throne when Mughal Empire had reached its zenith. Son of Jahangir and
grandson of Akbar - the greatest Mughal Emperor, Shahjahan became ruler in
1627 at the age of 35 years. The first step that he took after ascending to
the throne was to expand his empire to the South.
The Reign
During the early years of his reign, Shah Jahan preferred Agra to Delhi as
a place of residence. This preference is reflected in his selection of Agra
as the site for a number of building ventures including the world's most
famous and beautiful mausoleum, Taj Mahal.
Endowed with all the qualities required of a medieval Muslim ruler, he was
a brave and competent commander; a generous master who treated his servants
with respect, dignity and affability; and a far-sighted leader with a strict
sense of justice.
During
his 30-year reign, Shah Jahan had never expected that his last days
would be so utterly tragic. With his old age and his poor health, Shah
Jahan could only helplessly watch the serious outbreak of hostility
among his sons. Shah Jahan was a mere spectator at the savage contest.
The emergence of Aurangzeb as the undisputed victor led to the father's
imprisonment in the Agra fort.