The Taj Mahal, a wonder of the world and world heritage (cultural) site, is a magnificent specimen of Mughal architecture [1]. Most people know the Taj Mahal, a mausoleum in Agra, India, as a monument of love symbolizing the eternal love of a Mughal emperor Shah Jahan towards his wife Mumtaz. However, not many are aware that the Taj Mahal also tells the story of maternal death1 and, by extension, a host of issues surrounding it that is emblematic of reproductive health in India.
The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan (born in 1592 [2], reigned 1628–58) had built Taj Mahal in memory of his wife, Arjumand Banu Begum (1593–1631) [2], more popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. At a young age, Shah Jahan saw Arjumand at the Royal Meena Bazaar on the streets of Agra and fell in love with her [6]. In 1607, Shah Jahan had been betrothed to Arjumand Banu Begum, who was just 14 years old at that time [2]. It took five years for Shah Jahan to marry his beloved Mumtaz Mahal. Meanwhile, he was married to a Persian Princess Quandary Begum due to political reasons [2] and [6]. Shah Jahan at the age of 21 years married Arjumand Banu Begum (19 years) on an auspicious day on