Shah Jahan Family Tree: The Story Behind The Builder of the Taj Mahal

Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, known as Shah Jahan, born 5 January 1592 in Lahore, Mughal Empire, was the fifth Mughal Emperor (1628–1658) — builder of the Taj Mahal in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal; built the Peacock Throne; constructed the Red Fort at Delhi; reign considered the Golden Age of Mughal architecture. He died 22 January 1666 at age 74 — imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb at the Agra Fort.

The Family's Roots: The Mughal Imperial Dynasty

The Mughal dynasty descended from Timur and Genghis Khan. Shah Jahan was the third son of Jahangir.

His Parents

Father: Jahangir (1569–1627) — 4th Mughal Emperor (1605–1627).

Mother: Jagat Gosain (Bilqis Makani; 1573–1619) — Rajput princess from Marwar.

His Wife: Mumtaz Mahal

Arjumand Banu Begum (1593–1631), known as Mumtaz Mahal — daughter of Asaf Khan (Nur Jahan's brother). Married Shah Jahan in April 1612. Died in childbirth on 17 June 1631 at Burhanpur — giving birth to her 14th child. The Taj Mahal was built in her memory (1632–53).

Their Children

Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal had 14 children, of whom 7 survived:

Jahanara Begum (1614–1681) — eldest daughter; spiritual leader.

Dara Shukoh (1615–1659) — eldest surviving son; Shah Jahan's chosen heir; executed by Aurangzeb.

Shah Shuja (1616–1661) — second son; fled to Burma.

Roshanara Begum (1617–1671) — daughter.

Aurangzeb (1618–1707) — third son; 6th Mughal Emperor.

Murad Bakhsh (1624–1661) — fourth son; executed by Aurangzeb.

Gauhar Ara Begum (1631–1706) — youngest daughter; Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to her.

The Mughal Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Jahangir (1569–1627) — 4th Mughal Emperor.

Mother: Jagat Gosain (1573–1619).

Wife: Mumtaz Mahal (1593–1631) — died giving birth to her 14th child; Taj Mahal commemorates her.

Children: 14 — 7 survived. Dara Shukoh (executed 1659); Shah Shuja (fled 1661); Aurangzeb (6th Mughal Emperor); Murad Bakhsh (executed 1661); Jahanara; Roshanara; Gauhar Ara.

Father-in-law: Asaf Khan (brother of Nur Jahan).

Shah Jahan:

  • Born 5 January 1592, Lahore
  • Became favoured prince under his father Jahangir
  • Emperor of the Mughal Empire: from 19 January 1628 (after succession war)
  • Architectural patronage: Taj Mahal (1632–53), Red Fort (1648), Jama Masjid Delhi, Shalimar Gardens Lahore, Peacock Throne (1635)
  • Capital moved from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi): 1648
  • Imprisoned by Aurangzeb in the Agra Fort: 1658
  • Died 22 January 1666, Agra Fort, age 74
  • Buried beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal

What the Mughal Family Story Teaches Us

A father who was an Emperor. A wife who died in childbirth giving birth to her 14th child. Seven surviving children, four sons — three executed or fled, one became Emperor at the expense of imprisoning his own father. A reign known for its architecture but ending in family violence.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Shah Jahan story carries the same lesson. Some family records hold both the Taj Mahal and a 7-year imprisonment by a son.

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