Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram, better known by his regnal name, Shah Jahan, was the fifth Mughal emperor of India, and reigned from 1628 to 1658. Under Shah Jahan’s reign, the Mughal Empire reached the peak of its glory.
Although an able military commander, Shah Jahan is best remembered for his architectural achievements. His reign ushered in the golden age of Mughal architecture.
Shah Jahan commissioned many monuments, the best known of which is the Taj Mahal in Agra, in which is entombed his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. His relationship with Mumtaz Mahal has been heavily adapted into Indian art, literature and cinema.
His rule saw many grand building projects, including the Red Fort and the Shah Jahan Mosque. Foreign affairs saw war with the Safavids and conflict with the Portuguese, and positive relations with the Ottoman Empire. Domestic concerns included putting down numerous rebellions, and the devastating famine from 1630-32.
He owned the royal treasury and several precious stones such as the Kohinoor and has thus often been regarded as the wealthiest person in history.