Shah Jahan

Born On: January 5, 1592
Died On: January 22, 1666
Achievements: Founder of the magnificent monument Taj Mahal, Also associated with the Red Fort of Delhi, Jama Masjid of Delhi, Section of Agra Fort, the Wazir Khan Mosque and the Moti Masjid in Lahore, Pakistan.

Shah Jahan, his name along with the name of his wife Mumtaz Mahal, being synonymous with the existence and ever growing popularity of Taj Mahal, was a Mughal Emperor of the Southern Asia who reigned from 1627 to 1658. Born as Prince Shihab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram in the Lahore, Pakistan of 1592, Shah Jahan was the son of Emperor Jahangir. His name Khurram, which means “joyful” in Persian, was given to him by his grandfather Akbar the Great. Displaying great military skills at an early age against numerous enemies including Mewar, the Lodi in the Deccan, and Kangra, impressed his father so much that Shah Jahan received the title “Shah Jahan Bahadur” from him. He wasn’t just a sharp military leader, but also had an exceptional talent for building and proved it by re-designing buildings within the Agra fort. Among many titles he had earned, “The Builder of the Marvels” was one that was about to be proved the most deserving in the time to come.

Shah Jahan visited Kashmir Four times during his reign at intervals of five or seven years.

• The first visit took place in 1043 A.H. (or 1634 A.C.), when Shah Jahan arrived in Srinagar on June 5. “The enchanting beauty of this province hypnotized Shah Jahan, ” writes the author of History of Shahjahan of Dihli, ” and though he had no staff of painters with him to reproduce its natural beauty, he had a number of excellent writers at court who have described Kashmir in glowingly picturesque language, which is poetic in spirit thugh prose in form.” The descriptions of Kashmir written by Mirza Aminai Qazvini (Padshah-nama, British Museum, or. 1676), the versified narratives of Qudsi and Kalim are instances. Mirza Aminai Qazvini was in the royal retinue on this occasion.
•  Shah Jahan’s second visit took place during January to October 1640 A.C.
• Another Visit is recorded in 1645.
• The last visit took place in 1651 which, however, was cut short on account of floods and storms. And Shah Jahan returned to Lahore. It was at the time of Shah Jahan’s first visit that the Hindu raja of Bhimbar announced the adoption of Islam, and was given the title of Raja-i-Daulatmand (or tthe Raja of Riches).

Shah jahan appointed nine governors altogether, of whom two, namely, Zafar Khan and ‘Ali Mardan Khan were re-appointed. I’tiqad Khan, who had been appointed by Jahangir, continued in office till his high-handedness and opressive rule brought about his removal. Prince Murad visited Kashmir in 1640 A.C., and remained as governor for a year, being followed by ‘Ali Mardan khan. During his stay, Prince Murad married a daughter of the Maliks of Shahabad. Shahabad was formerly called the Ver-nag Pargana, according to Hasan, and was re-named Shahabad by Shah Jahan.

Zafar Khan’s original name was Ahsanullah Khan Ahsan. Zafar Khan was the title conferred on him by Shah Jahan on account of his triumphant courage and coolness. He succeeded I ‘tiqad Khan. In reality, Ahsanullah’s father, Abu’l Hasan Turbati, was nominated to the governorship. He was, however, too infirm and aged to assume the onerous duties of office in person. The son deputized for the father. Zafar’s excellent administration won the Emperor’s approbation and he was confirmed in his post.

The final conquest of Tibet was effected by Zafar Khan. Its brief detail is this. Chaks were given asylum in Little Tibet (Baltistan). Jahangir’s Subadar of Kashmir, Hashim Khan, son of Qasim Khan Mir Bahr, attempted to reduce ‘Ali Rai Marzban (Warden of the Marches) of Skardu to submission but failed. In Shah Jahan’s time, Abdal, ‘Ali Rai’s son, gave protection to Habib Chak and Ahmad Chak. Zafar Khan, therefore, persuaded Abdal to acknowledge Mughul sovereignty and to read the Khutba in shah Jahan’s name in 1634. But Abdal, within the next two years, repudiated his submission. Shah Jahan ordered Zafar Khan To subjugate Little Tibet. With 2,000 cavalry and 10,000 infantry, Zafar Khan forced Abdal to resume submission and to pay an indemnity of one million rupees. In the course of the fight, Abdal’s son, Daulat, a lad of fifteen, showed considerably pluck in sallying out of his fort at Shakar on the other side of the Nil-ab or the Indus, in Little Tibet, but was driven back by Mir Fakhr-ud-din of the Mughul army. Daulat, on being overwhelmed, escaped with his father’s cash and jewellery. Zafar Khan, however, brought Abdal and the families of Habib Chak and Ahmad Chak to Kashmir and left Muhammad Murad, Abdal’s Vakil, in charge of the country.

• Red Fort or Lal Quila (Delhi)
• Agra Fort (Partly)
• Jama Masjid (Delhi)
• Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque (Lahore)
• Shalimar Gardens (Lahore)
• Sections of the Lahore Fort (Lahore)
• Jahangir Mausoleum
• Takht-e-Taus
• Shahjahan Mosque (Thatta)