Mumtaz Mahal is remembered in Indian history as the beloved wife of Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. She was his third wife. It was in the memory of this beautiful lady that the Mughal emperor had built Taj Mahal. The monument is a saga of love that has been remarkably etched out of pristine white marble.

Mumtaz Mahal was originally known as Arjumand Banu Begum. Shah Jahan, then known as, Prince Khurram, fell in love with her the first time he set his eyes on her. He was still a teenager then when he fortunately stumbled upon a beautiful 14 year old girl selling glass beads. She had silken cascading tresses, expressive eyes and an aquiline nose. The young handsome prince lost his heart. The fortunate incident took place in the Meena Bazaar of Agra. In the festive mood of the bazaar a prince had fallen head over heels in love with the stunning Arjumand Banu Begum. The prince returned and expressed his desire to marry her. Although Jahangir immediately consented to the match but the marriage could only fructify in the year 1612.

With their marriage Arjumand Banu Begum finally stepped into Shah Jahan`s life as a reality. Amazingly he still loved her just as deeply and as madly as that memorable moment when they had first met. Arjamand Banu was given the name Mumtaz Mahal or `the chosen one of the palace`. She was truly the soul mate of the emperor. Whether it was the prayer halls, the battlefields, the pleasure gardens, the river banks or court meetings, Mumtaz Mahal was always present with her husband. She was his friend, confidante, philosopher, companion, wife, inspiration, strength and guide. In true sense they shared their life with each other.

Grief struck when Mumtaz Mahal died in 1631 on the battlefields of Burhanpur. She had accompanied Shah Jahan as usual. On her death bed she asked her husband to look after their children, her parents and to build a monument that would remain even after them to tell the tale of their love. The grief stricken emperor agreed.

True to his words the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, built the most unique monument in the history of the world, Taj Mahal. It stood for love, companionship and memories. Apart from the exquisiteness and its architectural grandeur it is the principle that counts. The Taj Mahal was built to epitomize, to immortalize the love of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. As long as Taj Mahal exists, Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan will still live.