A series of tweets on Taj Mahal :
“A dome of high foundation & a building of great magnificence was created. The eye of age has seen nothing like it. It will be a masterpiece for ages to come increasing the amazement of all humanity.”
Qazwini in 1630s – Padshahnama
#TajMahal was always meant to be not just a magnificent mausoleum for a beloved wife but a testimony to power & glory of Shah Jahan & Mughal rule.
#TajMahal was inspired by a verse of Bilbadal Khan ‘May the abode of Mumtaz Mahal be Paradise.’
Shah Jahan mourned Mumtaz Mahal for two years continuously , wearing white clothes,gave up listening to music,using jewellery /perfumes
According to contemporary sources Shah Jahan cried so much that his eyes were spoilt from constant weeping and he had to wear spectacles. The Portuguese had just introduced it in India
Mumtaz died on a Wednesday in month of ZilQada
For years no entertainment was allowed on Wed or ZilQada &entire court wore white in that month.
Mumtaz’s uncle wrote to Shah Jahan that if he continued like this Mumtaz would have to leave the comforts of Paradise and return
That he should consider the children she had left in his care
Shah Jahan beard which had a few grey hair turned white during his mourning for Mumtaz Mahal
During Eid celebrations Shah Jahan would break down as he would miss Mumtaz amongst the festivities arranged by the ladies
The planned weddings if Dara Shukoh &Shah Shuja were postponed for two years
Raja Jai Singh, grandson of Man Singh and current was eager to present the site chosen to Shah Jahan but he insisted on giving him 4 havelis in exchange
The farman of transfer gives details of this exchange given in full in pg 168 of
Begley & Desai book
Reference from Ebba Koch
#TajMahal
