Shah Jahan, one of Jehangir's four sons, was the fifth Mughal emperor and most prolific builder in Indian history. He was born in 1592 at Lahore, his parents named him Khurram. He became the ruler in 1627 at the age of 35 years after a bloody civil war, assassinating his brothers Khusrau and Parwiz and others desirous of the throne. He was the first Mughal to finish off his nearest relatives, including nephews and cousins.
After becoming the emperor, he ruled his country for three decades. He made full use of the royal treasury on state buildings like schools, hospitals, and mosques. He also made many grand and beautiful buildings. Taj Mahal is one of them, built in memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a noble monument of conjugal love and fidelity, and considered as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Shah Jahan fell ill in September 1657. As the news of his illness reached his four sons, Dara Shikoh, Shuja,
Aurangzeb and Murad, they all started making preparations to capture the throne. Aurangzeb succeeded in his efforts and kept his aged father imprisoned until his death in 1666.
