Shah Jahan, one of Jehangir's four sons, was the fifth Mughal
emperor and most prolific builder in Indian history. He was born
in 1592 at Lahore, his parents named him Khurram. He became the
ruler in 1627 at the age of 35 years after a bloody civil war,
assassinating his brothers Khusrau and Parwiz and others
desirous of the throne. He was the first Mughal to finish off
his nearest relatives, including nephews and cousins. After
becoming the emperor, he ruled his country for three decades. He
made full use of the royal treasury on state buildings like
schools, hospitals, and mosques. He also made many grand and
beautiful buildings. Taj Mahal is one of them, built in memory
of his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a noble monument of
conjugal love and fidelity, and considered as one of the Seven
Wonders of the World. Shah Jahan fell ill in September 1657. As
the news of his illness reached his four sons, Dara Shikoh,
Shuja, Aurangzeb and Murad, they all started making preparations
to capture the throne. Aurang