Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, was the fifth Muymal Emperor. Shah Jahn was thirty-five years old when he took the throne in 1627. Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal in memory of his favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Mumtaz Mahal died giving birth to Shah Jahan's and Mumtaz's fourteenth child.

Shah Jahan was a brave and capable Muslim leader and showed his servants respect. Shah Jahan lived mainly in Agra, India instead of Delhi during his reign. His reign was a total of thirty years. Shah Jahan's old age was tragic. He was imprisoned by his son, who was then the ruler. Shah Jahan was imprisoned at the Agra Fort for eight years, until his death. On his death bed, he kept his eyes on the Taj Mahal that was visible from his prison. After his death, his body was buried next to Mumtaz's in the Taj Mahal.