Mumtaz Mahal, the empress consort of the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, adhered to Shia Islam. This religious affiliation was an integral part of her identity within the diverse religious landscape of the Mughal Empire.
Biographical Context of Mumtaz Mahal
Born Arjumand Banu Begum, Mumtaz Mahal was a prominent figure whose life and legacy are deeply intertwined with Mughal history. Her family background connected her directly to the influential nobility of the time, further solidifying her position in the imperial court.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Arjumand Banu Begum |
| House | Timurid (by marriage) |
| Father | Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan |
| Mother | Diwanji Begum |
| Religion | Shia Islam |
| Spouse | Shah Jahan (Mughal Emperor) |
| Legacy | Inspiration for the Taj Mahal |
Her father, Abu'l-Hasan Asaf Khan, was a powerful Grand Vizier and the brother of Empress Nur Jahan, making Mumtaz Mahal part of a highly influential Persian noble family within the Mughal Empire. Her faith, Shia Islam, was a significant aspect of her personal heritage, distinguishing her background in a court predominantly led by Sunni Muslim emperors. Mumtaz Mahal is best remembered as the inspiration behind the construction of the iconic Taj Mahal, built by Shah Jahan as her final resting place.
