Shah Jahan, << SHAH juh HAHN >> (1592-1666), also spelled Shahjahan, ruled the Mughal empire in India from 1628 to 1666. During his reign, the Mughals reached their artistic Golden Age, with vast treasures and magnificent architecture. Shah Jahan is best remembered for the perfectly proportioned Taj Mahal, an immense tomb of white marble, which he built for his wife in Agra, India (see Taj Mahal). He also built the Great Mosque of Delhi and other large public structures. Many of these buildings still stand as examples of Mughal glory.
The Mughal dynasty began its decline because too much money was spent on luxuries and too much effort was wasted in war. Shah Jahan’s reign added to these problems. One of his sons took his throne by force.
Shah Jahan was born on Jan. 5, 1592. He died on Jan. 22, 1666.
