01/10The Mughal King who owned a priceless treasure of world’s unique and privileged objects
Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor famed for commissioning the Taj Mahal, possessed a treasury of opulent treasures befitting his imperial stature. Among his prized possessions were jeweled artifacts, intricately crafted weapons, ornate manuscripts, exquisite textiles, and priceless works of art, reflecting the grandeur and wealth of the Mughal Empire under his reign.
by TOI Lifestyle Deskreadmore
02/10The Emerald Cup
The Emerald Cup, a testament to Mughal artistry, symbolized wealth and luxury. During Jahangir and Shah Jahan’s reigns, emeralds were prized gifts for sons and subordinates, marking significant occasions. Crafted with precision, these gems adorned the elite, reflecting the Mughal Empire’s appreciation for opulence and patronage of the arts. (Image: Al-Sabah Collection)
03/10Emerald inscribed “Jahangir Shah-i Akbar Shah”
Jahangir’s inscription on an emerald, “Jahangir Shah-i Akbar Shah,” denotes its significance in Mughal state iconography. Three emeralds, notably large, bear his name and titles, emphasizing their importance. One, weighing 98.74 carats, resides in the Museum of Islamic Art, Doha. This practice mirrors Mughal emperors’ inscriptions on various precious and historical treasures for their personal collections. (Image: Museum of Islamic Art)
04/10Carew Spinel
The Carew Spinel, engraved with the titles of Jahangir, Shah Jahan, and ‘Alamgir (Aurangzeb), showcases the Mughal Empire’s penchant for exquisite gemstones. This 17th-century marvel, originating from India, served as a symbol of imperial authority and prestige, bearing witness to the grandeur and legacy of Mughal rulers through the ages. (Image: Victoria and Albert Museum)
05/10Shah Jahan holding an emerald
Muhammad Abed’s painting depicts Shah Jahan holding an emerald, showcasing the opulence of Mughal royalty. Executed with exquisite detail and vibrant colors, the masterpiece captures the emperor’s regal presence and the allure of the precious gemstone. It symbolizes Shah Jahan’s wealth, power, and appreciation for luxury. (Image: Victoria & Albert Museum)
06/10Emerald from the Muzo Mine
The emerald from the Muzo Mine, Colombia’s Vasquez-Yacopí mining district, held significance for Shah Jahan, Mughal Emperor. Known for its intense green hue and exceptional clarity, it adorned his treasury, symbolizing his wealth and appreciation for rare gemstones. Its acquisition exemplified the emperor’s pursuit of beauty and luxury. (Image: Géry Parent)
07/10Jahangir’s court
Jahangir, commemorating Prince Khurram’s 15th birthday on July 31, 1607, weighed him against gold and silver. This event possibly inspired European observers’ descriptions of drinking cups crafted from single pieces of spinel, jade, and emerald. Such vessels, like the small green cup depicted in Jahangir-era paintings, symbolized opulence and royal patronage. (Image: Trustees of the British Museum)
08/10Depiction of a South American silver mine
Primary among these is the Tarikh-i Hind Gharbi (History of the India of the West), a Turkish text compiled in 1583 at Istanbul’s court from Italian reports. Focused on Spanish conquests, it details key events and histories of captured areas, providing insight into European colonization through second-hand accounts. (Image: Museum of Islamic Art)
09/10Mansur’s ‘Turkey Cock’
“Mansur’s ‘Turkey Cock,’ circa 1612, rendered in opaque watercolor and gold on paper, captivates with intricate detail and vibrant hues. The masterpiece, attributed to the Mughal court artist, showcases meticulous craftsmanship and delicate brushwork, immortalizing the exotic beauty of the bird in the artistic tradition of the era.”
(Image: Victoria & Albert Museum)
10/10Architectural Marvels
Shah Jahan’s treasures extended beyond tangible objects to include architectural marvels like the Taj Mahal, a testament to his love for beauty, grandeur, and enduring legacies.