Mumtaz Mahal (Arjumand Banu) meaning "beloved ornament of the palace" the third and the most beloved empress of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan was the inspiration behind the construction of  world's most beautiful building, a triumph of architectural skill and an immortal monument to love - The Taj Mahal .

Mumtaz Mahal, born in 1593 in Agra was essentially a Persian and a devout Muslim. Known for her exquisite beauty and grace throughout the kingdom, poets would extol her beauty and would pen down in verses. It is said that her beauty was unparalleled.

On March 27, 1621, Prince Khurram was betrothed to Arjumand Banu Begum and she instantly became her favorite wife and constant companion. The title Shah Jahan gave her, Mumtaz Mahal, means “Chosen one of the Palace”, proclaiming her special place in the heart.

Mumtaz Mahal accompanied Shah Jahan everywhere; on his hunting expeditions and even traveled on military campaigns. She even provided sound advice to Shah Jahan encouraging him to perform acts of charity and compassion. Her compassion towards poor had endeared her to the Indian people. Shah Jahan entrusted Mumtaz Mahal with the state seal because of her gentle heart in supporting widows, orphans, and poor families.

In the spring of 1631, while accompanying him on one of his war expeditions in Burhanpur, she died delivering her 14th childbirth. On her death bed, she extracted a promise from Shah Jahan that he would build something so exquisite structure in her memory that would be admired for the centuries to come. Such was the love of Mumtaz Mahal that he was determined to build a tomb that was not only fitting his beloved but also fitting for the empress of a mighty and glorious empire