This short love story dates back to the early days of the 17th century. Prince Khurram, who went on to be called Shah Jahan I, was a great Mughal Emperor. He fell deeply in love, with the extremely beautiful Arjumand Banu. They were both 16 and 15 years respectively when they first met in the city of Agra. Subsequently they got married in the year 1612 and she became his third wife. He bestowed upon her the title of Mumtaz Mahal. It means “Wonder of this palace” in Persian. She was highly adored by Shah Jahan and liked by one and all. Mumtaz Mahal tragically died during childbirth. It was the couple’s 14th child.
Shah ordered a mourning period of two years for his kingdom. He secluded himself. After his return to public life he appeared sad and was dramatically changed. He decided to offer tribute to this woman, whom he loved above everything in life. The Shah built a mausoleum in the memory of Mumtaz Mahal. It is an intricate monument and is the world’s most beautiful structure. It is “One among the Seven Marvels of this World”. Most of the people have seen this symbol of their eternal love. It is now called as Taj Mahal. It is located at Agra in India. It is an evergreen reminder of true love.
A Short Love Story
The love tale of Egypt’s last Pharaoh Cleopatra and the handsome Roman general Mark Antony is a touching love story. Their affair dates back to 31 BC. The two powerful individuals were in love with each other at the very first sight. Legend has it that Cleopatra became the queen and ascended throne to the kingdom of Egypt. She utilized her incredible beauty and intelligence into charming the famous Roman leaders. She gave birth to a baby boy, Caesarion, by Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s assassination, Mark Antony became a member in the triumvirate which was in charge of Roman Empire. Only later, she came across Antony.
Mark Antony was a much married man. He already had a wife named Octavia in Rome. He was mesmerized by Cleopatra. He deserted his spouse, Octavia and got married to Cleopatra. Octavian, Octavia’s brother got the Roman army with the intent of destroying them. During this fight with the Romans, Antony gets false news about Cleopatra’s death. Hence, he kills himself using his sword. Queen Cleopatra learns about Antony’s death. She commits suicide. She places a poisonous asp over herself and gets killed by its poisonous bite. Both die; however, their short love story lives on. Later, William Shakespeare dramatized it. It is still staged the world around.