Shah Jahan inherited the Mughal throne in 1627 after impressing his father Jahangir with his military successes. During his rule, he centralized the administration and encouraged commerce, while also perfecting Mughal architecture by building the Taj Mahal and Red Fort in Delhi. However, Shah Jahan was later imprisoned by his son Aurengzeb, who had overthrown him, and he died eight years later while confined to the Agra Fort.

1. Emperor Shah Jahan By, Tyson Gannon

2. Accession Inheritance of power & wealth in the Mughal empire was determined by princely sons competing to achieve military successes and consolidating their power at court. Shah Jahan’s intense military successes of 1617 CE greatly impressed his father. He was rewarded with the prestigious title of ‘Shah Jahan’, which pretty much sealed his inheritance. Upon the death of his father, emperor Jahangir, in 1627; shah Jahan succeeded to the Mughal Throne.

3. Rule Under his rule, the empire became a huge military machine and the nobles and their contingents multiplied almost fourfold, as did the demands for more revenue from the peasantry. The administration was centralized and the court affairs were systematised. His political efforts encouraged the emergence of large centres of commerce and crafts.

4. Architecture Shah Jahan perfected Mughal architecture. He had the TajMahal built as a tomb for his favorite wife. Shah Jahan established Delhi as his capital and built there the famous Red Fort, which contained the imperial Mughal palace.

5. Fate One of shah jahan’s sons, Aurengzeb, took over his throne. He was imprisoned and confined to the Agra Fort for eight years. During this time he grew deathly ill. On Jan. 31st 1666, shah jahan died.