The Taj Mahal, often hailed as one of the most exquisite symbols of eternal love, is as much a marvel of architecture as it is a poignant testament to a historical romance. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, the construction of this magnificent mausoleum is steeped in legend and historical detail. However, a lesser-known aspect of this story is what happened to Mumtaz Mahal’s body during the years it took to complete the Taj Mahal.
This article delves into the historical and practical details surrounding her body during the construction of this grand monument.
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How did Mumtaz Mahal die?
Mumtaz Mahal, born Arjumand Banu Begum, was the chief consort of Shah Jahan. She died on June 17, 1631, during 14th childbirth, leaving the Emperor devastated. The emotional impact of her death was profound, and Shah Jahan vowed to build a monument that would surpass all others in beauty and grandeur as a tribute to her memory.
She passed away in the city of Burhanpur, about 800 kms south of the Mughal capital of Agra.
Where was Mumtaz Mahal body originally buried?
Following her death, Mumtaz Mahal’s body was initially interred in a temporary tomb of Aahukhana mausoleum located in the gardens of the Zainabad palace near Burhanpur, where she passed away. This temporary tomb was a simple and functional resting place, designed to safeguard the remains until the construction of the Taj Mahal could commence. The first 6 months after her death, Mumtaz Mahal’s body rested here.
Burhanpur is located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
Transportation and Construction
Once Shah Jahan had decided upon Agra as the site for the Taj Mahal, a suitable site had to be prepared. This involved extensive planning, including the selection of the land along the Yamuna River and the design of the complex itself. The construction began in 1632, and the entire project was an enormous undertaking that required vast resources and time.
Given the importance of the tomb, the transport of Mumtaz Mahal’s remains from Burhanpur to Agra had to be meticulously planned. Historical records suggest that the process was conducted with great reverence and care. The body was likely embalmed and placed in a sealed container to preserve it during the journey. The transport of such a valuable and sacred cargo would have been accompanied by a large entourage, including officials, religious leaders, and family members.
Reasons why Taj Mahal was built in Agra
Per the article here, there were reasons for selection of Agra for the final burial:
“According to the locals of Burhanpur, Shah Jahan chose to build the Taj Mahal in Agra for mainly three reasons. First, Burhanpur’s soil was infested with termites, and hence, it would have been impossible for it to hold a magnanimous building for long. Second, the emperor wanted the reflection of Taj Mahal to reflect on the river. Since, the Tapti River of Burhanpur was narrower as compared to the width of the Yamuna River in Agra, Shah Jahan naturally zeroed in on Agra. The third reason was Agra’s proximity to Rajasthan from where the white marble was sourced.“
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Irrespective, given most important Mughals are buried in Agra or Delhi, even otherwise, it is likely that Mumtaz Mahal would have been buried in Agra under normal circumstances.
How did the Re-Burial of Mumtaz Mahal body take place?
Upon reaching Agra, the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were reinterred in a temporary tomb on the site where the Taj Mahal would eventually stand. This interim tomb was located in a garden area within the mausoleum’s complex. The construction of the Taj Mahal’s main structure began in earnest around this time, and it was clear that the final resting place would be a grand and ornate structure.
The mausoleum’s construction was a monumental effort involving thousands of artisans, architects, and laborers. It took about 10 years to complete the main mausoleum, with the entire complex being finished in approximately 22 years. During this period, the temporary tomb at Aahukhana was used to house Mumtaz Mahal’s remains.
Completion and Final Resting Place of Mumtaz Mahal
The Taj Mahal was finally completed in 1653, and Mumtaz Mahal’s remains were moved from the temporary tomb to the newly finished central chamber of the Taj Mahal. The final resting place of Mumtaz Mahal is situated in the lower chamber of the mausoleum, where an ornate cenotaph (an empty tomb) was placed above the actual grave. The real burial chamber, where her body rests, is situated below the cenotaph in a subterranean vault.
The design of the Taj Mahal includes intricate marble inlays and precious stones, reflecting the grandeur and the solemnity intended by Shah Jahan. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place is thus not only a tribute to her but also a remarkable architectural achievement, representing the zenith of Mughal craftsmanship.
Preservation and Legacy
Over the centuries, the Taj Mahal has faced numerous challenges, including environmental degradation, invasions, and the natural wear and tear of time. The mausoleum has undergone several restoration efforts to preserve its beauty and structural integrity. Mumtaz Mahal’s final resting place has remained a focal point of these preservation efforts, ensuring that her memory endures through the timeless beauty of the Taj Mahal.
The Legacy Continues
The journey of Mumtaz Mahal’s body from her initial burial in Burhanpur to its final resting place within the Taj Mahal is a story of devotion, care, and monumental effort. The temporary burials, the meticulous transport, and the grand final resting place all reflect the profound respect and love that Shah Jahan had for his wife.
Upon reaching Agra, the remains of Mumtaz Mahal were reinterred in a temporary tomb on the site where the Taj Mahal would eventually stand. This interim tomb was located in a garden area within the mausoleum’s complex. The construction of the Taj Mahal’s main structure began in earnest around this time, and it was clear that the final resting place would be a grand and ornate structure.
(Cover image by Yashasvi nagda / Wikimedia)
