Born in Ajmer on March 20, 1615, Dara Shikoh was an important figure in the history of the Mughal Empire. Ajmer was famous as the holy land of Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti.
He was the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his second wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
His father, later known as Shah Jahan, was then Prince Shahab-ud-Din Muhammad Khurram. Dara was named by him.
On February 1, 1633, he married his half-sister, Princess Nadira Bano Begum, at Agra. She was the daughter of her uncle Sultan Parvez Mirza. This marriage took place with great ceremony and fanfare
Dara Shikoh played an important role in the Mughal Empire. He was appointed by his father as Wali-ehad (successor) and was given the title of 'Padshahzada-i-Buzurg Martaba' (Prince of High Rank) in the Mughal Empire. His father also conferred on him the title of 'Shahzada-e-Buland Iqbal' (Prince of High Fortune).
Dara Shikoh held various military and administrative posts, he was appointed as Subedar (Governor) of Allahabad and later Governor of Gujarat Province. He was also given command of important military forces.
Additionally, Dara Shikoh was also known for his intellectual activities, including the translation of Hindu texts and his inclination towards mysticism and Sufism.
Dara Shikoh, also known as Dara Shukoh (20 March 1615 – 30 August 1659), was the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and Empress Mumtaz Mahal. He was designated as the heir apparent by his father and was a significant figure in Mughal history for his intellectual pursuits and his tragic end.
### Early Life and Education
Dara Shikoh was born in Ajmer, Rajasthan, and was given an extensive education in the arts, sciences, and religions of the time. He was well-versed in Persian, Sanskrit, and Arabic, and was known for his intellectual curiosity and philosophical mindset.
### Intellectual Pursuits
Dara Shikoh is best remembered for his deep interest in mysticism and his efforts to bridge the gap between Islam and Hinduism. He was a follower of the Qadiri Sufi order and wrote several important works, including:
- **Majma-ul-Bahrain** ("The Confluence of the Two Seas"): This book explored the similarities between Sufism and Hindu Vedanta.
- **Sirr-i-Akbar** ("The Great Secret"): A Persian translation of the Upanishads, which he believed contained the hidden truths of the Quran.
### Succession Struggle
Following the illness of Shah Jahan in 1657, a war of succession broke out among his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja, and Murad Baksh. Dara Shikoh was his father's preferred successor, but he faced strong opposition from his brothers, especially Aurangzeb.
### Defeat and Execution
Aurangzeb ultimately emerged victorious in the war of succession. Dara Shikoh was defeated in battle, captured, and brought to Delhi. He was paraded in chains and humiliated before being executed on charges of apostasy and heresy in 1659.
### Legacy
Dara Shikoh is remembered for his syncretic approach to religion and philosophy, which was in stark contrast to the orthodox and conservative policies of Aurangzeb. His works continue to be studied for their attempt to foster mutual understanding and harmony between different religious traditions in India. His tragic end and his vision for a more inclusive Mughal Empire have made him a romantic and heroic figure in Indian history.
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