Shah Jahan

Khuram (Khurram) was the birth name of the Mughal emperor of India who later became known as Shah Jahan and reigned during the early part of the 17th century. He was born in 1592 in Lahore, son of the emperor Jahangir. The term "suldaan" here means ruler or king; the Mughals commonly used the titles "badshah" or "padshah" for themselves.

During his rule (1628–1658), he is remembered for a state policy emphasizing large-scale construction, extensive revenue from agriculture, and military campaigns directed against the Deccan (southern India) and the northwest. He was among the rulers who spent the most on construction, with effects on the state budget.

Early life and succession to power

Khuram grew up in a royal household where competition among the emperor's sons shaped the course of power. After Jahangir's death, succession disputes arose among the contenders, from which Khuram emerged victorious. Mughal practice required a new ruler to eliminate or exile rival claimants, as Khuram did when taking power.

Construction

He is credited with notable buildings: the Taj Mahal in Agra, a mausoleum for his wife Arjumand Banu Begum (Mumtaz Mahal), who died in 1631; a new capital called Shahjahanabad in Delhi, which contains the Red Fort and the Jama Masjid; and an ornate throne known as the Peacock Throne. The architecture of the period employed white marble, stone carving with fine detail, and symmetrical garden layouts.

End of his reign

In 1657–1658, when Khuram fell ill, his sons—Dara Shikoh, Shah Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad Bakhsh—fought for the throne. Aurangzeb prevailed and confined his father to Agra Fort, where he remained until his death in 1666. His daughter Jahanara is reported to have stayed with him during this period.