For centuries, the Taj Mahal has inspired
poets, painters and musicians to try and capture its elusive magic in word,
colour and song. It is one of the most flawless architectural creations of
the world. Since the 17th century, travellers have crossed continents to
come and see this ultimate memorial to love, and few have been unmoved by
its incomparable beauty.
Taj Mahal stands in the city of Agra, in the northern Indian state of Uttar
Pradesh, on the banks of the Yamuna River. It was built in the memory of the
beautiful Arjumand Bano Begum, who won the heart of a Mughal prince. She was
married at 21 to Emperor Jahangir’s third son Prince Khurram and stayed
loyally by his side through good times and bad: in the luxurious royal
palaces of Agra as well as the transient tents of war camps.
In AD 1628, Khurram became king after a bloody battle of succession: he
took the name Shahjahan or “King of the World” and showered his
beloved begum with the highest titles. She became Mumtaz Mahal, the exalted
of the palace and Mumtaz-ul-Zamani, the exalted of the Age. But Mumtaz Mahal
was not destined to be queen for long.
In 1631, Shahjahan went on an expedition to the south and, as always,
Mumtaz Mahal accompanied him. But she died in childbirth at Burhanpur. She
had borne Shahjahan fourteen children, of whom four sons and three daughters
survived. When Mumtaz Mahal died, she was just 39 years old. Shahjahan was
inconsolable and contemporary chronicles tell of the royal court mourning
for two years. there was no music, no feasting, and no celebration of any
kind.
