Mumtaz Mahal Birthday
Born on 27 April 1593, her name means ‘Jewel of the Palace’. She is the Muse behind the iconic Taj Mahal.
Who was Mumtaz Mahal?
Mumtaz Mahal was born to Asaf Khan and Diwanji Begum. Her father was a grand vizier (or wazir) to the Mughal emperor Akbar.
A Literatus
Mumtaz Mahal was proficient in Arabic and Persian languages. She was well-educated and a refined lady. She even composed poems in Persian.
Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan
Shah Jahan first saw Mumtaz Mahal at the Meena Bazaar, later they got married in 1612.
Title Given by Shah Jahan
After marriage, Shah Jahan conferred Anjumand Banu with the title ‘Mumtaz Mahal’ which meant ‘Exalted one of the Palace.’
First Lady
She even held the position of Padshah Begum (First Lady or Empress) in the Mughal empire.
Issues of Mumtaz Mahal
She bore 14 children with Shah Jahan, out of which only 7 survived. Jahanara Begum was the eldest daughter and Dara Shikoh was the eldest son.
Mumtaz Mahal’s Death
The Padshah Begum died on 17 June 1631. Taj Mahal was built in her memory by Shah Jahan. It took 22 years to built the white-ivory marvel.