---
title: "Shah Jahan: Fifth Mughal Emperor | Model Diplomat"
description: "Shah Jahan (1592–1666) was the fifth Mughal emperor known for his architectural achievements, including the iconic Taj Mahal. Discover his legacy."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/shah-jahan"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- Shah Jahan (1592–1666) was the fifth Mughal emperor, reigning from 1628 to 1658, whose era marked the zenith of Mughal architecture and prosperity.
- Why is Shah Jahan's reign called the golden age of Mughal architecture?
- What is pietra dura and how is it associated with Shah Jahan?
- How did Shah Jahan's reign end?
- Which capital city did Shah Jahan found?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

Shah Jahan (1592–1666) was the fifth Mughal emperor, reigning from 1628 to 1658, whose era marked the zenith of Mughal architecture and prosperity.

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## Timeline

1. 5 January 1592

   Shah Jahan, born Shahab-ud-din Muhammad Khurram on to Emperor Jahangir and the Rajput princess Manmati (Jagat Gosain of Marwar), ascended the Mughal throne…

2. 22 January 1666

   Shah Jahan was confined in Agra Fort for his final eight years, reportedly gazing upon the Taj Mahal, and died on ; he is interred beside Mumtaz Mahal in the…

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Example

In 1632, Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned the Taj Mahal at Agra as a mausoleum for his deceased consort Mumtaz Mahal, completing it around 1653 under architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.

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Lessons

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