Shah Jahan

Reign: 1628 – 1658
Life: 1592–1666

His reign marked the zenith of Mughal architectural and cultural achievements. The third son of Jahangir (r. 1605 to 1627), Shah Jahan participated in the military campaigns against the Sisodia Rajputs of Mewar and the rebel Lodi nobles of the Deccan. He commissioned many monuments, including the Red Fort, Shah Jahan Mosque and the famous Taj Mahal, where his favorite consort Mumtaz Mahal is entombed. In foreign affairs, Shah Jahan presided over the aggressive campaigns against the Deccan sultanates, the conflicts with the Portuguese, and the wars with the Safavids. In September 1657, the ailing Shah Jahan appointed his eldest son Dara Shikoh as his successor.

During Shah Jahan's reign, Charles I of England ruled England, Louis XIV of France ruled France, and Philip IV of Spain ruled Spain.

Want to learn more? Further reading

The Peacock Throne by Waldemar Hansen

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The World During Their Reign

The most notable rulers who held power elsewhere at the same time, from European courts to Ottoman, Mughal, and Chinese thrones.

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The Peacock Throne

Waldemar Hansen

A sweeping narrative of Shah Jahan's reign, the Taj Mahal, succession, and imperial splendour.

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