Glimpse of Past

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680) was a legendary warrior and founder of the Maratha Empire. He is widely respected for his military strategies, governance, and resistance against the Mughals. However, no historical figure is without controversy. Here are some lesser-known and debated aspects of his life: 1. Betrayal of Afzal Khan Shivaji lured Afzal Khan, a […]

Mirza Shah Shuja (23 June 1616 – 7 February 1661) was the second son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. Upon his birth, he was adopted by his stepmother, Empress Nur Jahan, a decision influenced by her elevated status, political influence, and the affection that Jahangir held for her. Shah Shuja had

Roshanara Begum (3 September 1617 – 11 September 1671) was a prominent Mughal princess, recognized as the third daughter of Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Renowned for her intellect and poetic talent, Roshanara was a staunch supporter of her younger brother, Aurangzeb, during the succession conflict that arose following Shah Jahan’s illness in 1657.

On September 6, 1657, the deteriorating health of Emperor Shah Jahan ignited a fierce contest for supremacy among the four Mughal princes, with only Dara Shikoh and Aurangzeb realistically positioned to claim victory. Shah Shuja was the first to act, proclaiming himself Mughal Emperor in Bengal and advancing towards Agra from the east. Meanwhile, Murad

Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan had 14 children together. Unfortunately, only seven survived to adulthood. Beyond Dara Shikoh, Jahanara Begum, and Aurangzeb, there were several other children, though information about them is limited. The Mumtaz Mahal’s children included Jahanara Begum, who was the favored daughter of Shah Jahan, as well as the Crown Prince Dara

Izz-un-Nissa Begum, also known as Akbarabadi Mahal, was the third wife of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The title “Akbarabadi Mahal” suggests she might have come from Akbarabad (present-day Agra). She left her mark on Shahjahanabad (present-day Old Delhi) by commissioning the Akbarabadi Mosque. Less frequently, she is referred to as Sirhindi Begum. Family- Just

Just like King Arthur’s mythical sword Excalibur, France has its own legendary blade, Durandal. Unlike Excalibur, however, Durandal wasn’t lodged in a stone by magic. Local legends claimed it was firmly stuck impossibly high in a cliff wall for over 1,300 years. Secured by chains, not Merlin’s enchantments, it seemed untouchable. But in June 2024,

Yes, it’s right absolutely right! Mumtaz Mahal was indeed buried in Burhanpur before her final resting place at the Taj Mahal. Here’s a breakdown of the history: Mumtaz Mahal died due to postpartum hemorrhage in Burhanpur on 17 June 1631, while delivering her 14th child after a labor lasting around 30 hours. She had been accompanying

Mumtaz Mahal served as the empress consort of the Mughal Empire between 1628 and 1631, holding the position of chief consort to the fifth Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan. The Taj Mahal in Agra, renowned as one of the Wonders of the World, was constructed by her husband as a mausoleum in her honor. Nurjahan- Her