The Taj Mahal is celebrated as the eternal symbol of love and the mausoleum of Mumtaz Mahal. However, few people know that she did not die in Agra and was first buried nearly 900 kilometres away. (Image-AI)
Mumtaz Mahal died on June 17, 1631, in Burhanpur, Madhya Pradesh, while accompanying Emperor Shah Jahan during a military campaign. She was around 40 years old and died after suffering complications during childbirth. (Image-TajMahal.gov.in)
At the time, Burhanpur served as the capital of the Mughal province of Khandesh and was an important gateway between North India and the Deccan. Mumtaz was buried in the Zainabad garden, where a pavilion was built. (Image-Canva)
Her body remained in Burhanpur for nearly six months. Historical accounts suggest it was embalmed using a special Unani preservation technique, indicating the site was only intended as a temporary resting place. (Image-Canva)
On December 14, 1631, Mumtaz Mahal’s body began its journey to Agra in a grand funeral procession. The convoy was led by her 15-year-old son, Shah Shuja, and reached Agra on January 5, 1632. (Image-Canva)
After arriving in Agra, her remains were temporarily buried in a riverside garden acquired from Raja Jai Singh of Amber. Construction of the Taj Mahal began later in 1632, where she was eventually laid to rest. (Image-Canva)
Today, millions remember Mumtaz Mahal through the Taj Mahal. Yet, her final journey began in Burhanpur, the city where she died, was first buried, and from where her remains were carried to Agra. (Image-AI)
