219. Building The Taj Mahal: Love, Loss, & Splendour (Ep 2)

Empire

Jack Davenport

History

4.6 • 4.1K Ratings

🗓️ 9 January 2025

⏱️ 50 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Within days of his beloved wife’s death, Shah Jahan starts designing his grandest architectural project yet to express his love for her. Her mausoleum is to be a domed, symmetrical, bright white building surrounded by aromatic gardens. But the notorious Taj Mahal is not the only beautiful structure the Mughal Emperor commissions. One of the most extravagant examples of his work is the Peacock Throne, a dazzling display of precious gems, including the Koh-i-Noor diamond and the Timur Ruby. And Shah Jahan's architectural vision soon extends beyond Agra. He later leaves the capital, perhaps to escape the grief associated with his wife’s death, and embarks on building the city of Shahjahanabad, otherwise known as Old Delhi. Listen as William and Anita discuss Shah Jahan’s magnificent architecture… Twitter: @Empirepoduk Email: [email protected] Goalhangerpodcasts.com Assistant Producers: Anouska Lewis & Becki Hills Producer: Callum Hill Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	If you want access to bonus episodes reading lists for every series of Empire, a chat community.
0:06.7	Discounts for all the books mentioned in the week's podcast, add free listening and a weekly newsletter,
0:12.5	sign up to Empire Club at www.empowerpod.uk.com.
0:19.4	It's the most wonderful time.
0:23.3	Are you a smart booker or a silly booker?
0:26.4	Smart bookers get access to a three airport lounge
0:29.5	by booking a five-star holiday with On the Beach.
0:32.8	Silly bookers?
0:33.9	Well, enjoy those cues at the bar.
0:36.1	Stop booking around and visit Onthe beach.com.ukour.
0:40.4	Conditions apply.
0:41.6	Seven night minimum stay, outbound only from selected airports for up to six people, Atoll protected.
0:47.8	On the beach. Hello and welcome to Empire with me Anita Arnan.
1:02.2	And me, William Thrimple.
1:04.0	Now, in the last episode, we left you with Shahjahar grieving the death of the love of his life,
1:09.3	Mumthaz Mahal, who dies tragically during childbirth
1:12.2	in June 1631. And you sort of pointed out that he almost turns white overnight, doesn't he?
1:18.6	And loses his eyesight.
1:19.7	Newses his eyesight? The famous Ferrell Spectacles?
1:25.3	Oh, never say the boy don't learn. Yes, Ferrell Spectacles that he's wearing. So, you know, he's been crying. And we should explain that the spectacles are as a result of his copious weeping every day. And, you know, members of the court are really worried about him, that he's sort of losing his marbles somewhat in grief. He cancels every appointment. He doesn't appear in public. And this does remind me a little
1:45.8	bit, actually, of Queen Victoria, who just says, you know what, when Albert died. It is similar,
1:49.3	isn't it? I have nothing to do with the world anymore. I'm sick of this. I've lost the one person
	...

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