Soliloquy of Shah Jahan overlooking the Taj Mahal

 

This is a sort of dramatic monologue in which the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan is much engrossed in the deep thoughts pondering over the past occurrences. There are several questions that are asked about Shah Jahan and Taj Mahal such as what happened to Shah Jahan after he built the Taj Mahal or where he died or how many wives he had and so on.

This scene is created in the Musamman Burj of the Agra Fort at the time of sunset which you can visit during your Agra tour alongwith your tour giuide

Who was with Shah Jahan at the time?

of DeathThe time is any fine day after the completion of the Taj Mahal when Shahjahan is made a house captive by his own san and is leading the life in isolation. At the time of his old age, his elder daughter Jahan Ara along with few attendants provides him support.

The time is any fine day after the completion of the Taj Mahal when Shahjahan is made a house captive by his own son and is leading the life in isolation. At the time of his old age, his elder daughter Jahan Ara along with few attendants provides him support.

He is in the state of moroseness and morbidity. As a devout Muslim, he still has the hopes in mighty Allah and his justice. He is much bereaved on the loss of his consort, his confinement and losing the touch with his subjects.

Soliloquy- From AAH Taj to WAAH Taj

O aah Who I am and for what?

I am the descendants of the mighty Mughals,

My ancestors played a vital role strengthening the empire,

And like other humans punished to dust

Leaving a large legacy, legacy of power and pelf.

As an innocent child I was well contented with my lot,

Blissed with the company of grandpa Jalal,

In the youth I saw the riches swaying.

And with my soaring ambitions led the camps

Thwarting the enemies with my shamsheer.

The gem of Mirzas-my Mumtaj, knocked at the gate of my heart.

Pumped me with courage and discreet.

A true lover, companion and better judge

 I always found in her.

Where are you, my Mumtaj? MUM- AB MUM-AB

You anon left my throne heart leaving me alone.

My MUM– AB, AB, AB.

(Entry of a servant) – Master what happened. Here is the water drinks water—

Leave me alone—aloof

The departure of the servant remains alone.

My mumtaj, my mumtaj

You bore me children, support of future like a cane

For this day- the days of house arrest and bondage!

 You consider yourself brave and savior of the common folk

Slaining the philosophy and Sufism of Dara.

Murad and Shuja are gone, leaving you the throne.

You the snatcher of liberty, rosary and water.

From the feeble father

May God give you the right conscience to rule my subjects.

So that no one can rebuke the Master.

Dejected I live with a ray of hope! 

Feeble I am hoping to appear in Jharokha.

But Alas! One ethereal support I lost, losing you Arujmand

Leaving only in your darling Ara.

This help in communion with my prayers keeps me alive

Perturbed I am, whom to the complaint or where to move,

When others I see involved in the routine.

Smiley, they are and seek life pleasures.

I sit on my couch with the view of Taj and stick in hand.

My beard turning white overnight and with a dwindling might.

 I feel the numbness, Calm and chill

With the cheeks of the owl’s Indication of the eternal sleep

And waiting for the doomsday to settle the issues.

Let peace rest and the subject’s smile

With the hope of our union on the allotted day. Oh my Mumtaj, my Taj – Wah Taj !!