π Topic 03 of 6 Β· Chapter 10 Β· Mughal Empire
Jahangir & Shah Jahan β Mughal Architecture
Nur Jahan’s influence, Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri, Mughal painting. Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid, Peacock Throne.
π Jahangir (1605β1627)
- Son of Akbar; real name Salim
- Known for his love of art and nature β great connoisseur of painting
- Wrote autobiography Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (Memoirs of Jahangir) in Persian
- Famous for his Chain of Justice (Zanjir-i-Adl) β anyone could ring the chain to seek justice
Nur Jahan β The Real Power:
- Nur Jahan (Mehr-un-Nissa) β Jahangir’s 20th and most beloved wife
- Daughter of Itimad-ud-Daulah (Mirza Ghiyas Beg) β Jahangir’s chief minister
- Most powerful woman in Mughal history β 20 farmans (royal orders) issued in her name
- Controlled state affairs; her portrait appeared on coins
- Built Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb in Agra β called “Baby Taj” β for her father
- Formed a Junta with her father, brother Asaf Khan, and Prince Khurram (Shah Jahan)
Mughal Painting under Jahangir:
- Mughal painting reached its peak under Jahangir
- Famous painters: Ustad Mansur (nature paintings), Bichitr, Abul Hasan
- Jahangir could identify the artist of any painting by looking at it
- Portraits became more realistic and detailed
π Shah Jahan (1627β1658) β Golden Age of Architecture
Shah Jahan’s reign is called the golden age of Mughal architecture. He built some of the most magnificent monuments in the world.
| Monument | Location | Year | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taj Mahal | Agra | 1632β1653 CE | Built for wife Mumtaz Mahal; white marble; UNESCO WHS; “Crown of Palaces” |
| Red Fort (Lal Qila) | Delhi | 1638β1648 CE | New capital fort; Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas; UNESCO WHS |
| Jama Masjid | Delhi | 1644β1656 CE | Largest mosque in India; red sandstone and white marble |
| Moti Masjid | Agra Fort | 1648β1655 CE | Pearl Mosque; pure white marble; inside Agra Fort |
| Shalimar Gardens | Lahore, Kashmir | β | Mughal garden design; three terraces |
β Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu Begum) who died in 1631 CE. Construction began in 1632 CE and was completed in 1653 CE. The chief architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. It is made of white marble from Makrana (Rajasthan). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
π Exam Tip:
β’ Nur Jahan = 20 farmans in her name = most powerful Mughal woman
β’ Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb = “Baby Taj” = Agra = built by Nur Jahan
β’ Taj Mahal = 1632β1653 = for Mumtaz Mahal = Ustad Ahmad Lahauri = UNESCO WHS
β’ Red Fort = Delhi = 1638β1648 = UNESCO WHS
β’ Jama Masjid = Delhi = largest mosque in India
β’ Nur Jahan = 20 farmans in her name = most powerful Mughal woman
β’ Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb = “Baby Taj” = Agra = built by Nur Jahan
β’ Taj Mahal = 1632β1653 = for Mumtaz Mahal = Ustad Ahmad Lahauri = UNESCO WHS
β’ Red Fort = Delhi = 1638β1648 = UNESCO WHS
β’ Jama Masjid = Delhi = largest mosque in India