1. The Taj Mahal, is the epitome of Mughal architecture, a blend of Indian, Persian and Islamic styles. It was built by the Shah Jahan to immortalize his wife Mumtaz Mahal.
2. The plans for the complex have been attributed to various architects of the period, though the chief architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahawri, an Indian of Persian descent. 
3. The complex - main gateway, garden, mosque and mausoleum (including its four minarets)- were conceived and designed as a unified entity.
4. Building commenced in about 1632. More than 20,000 workers were employed from India, Persia, the Ottoman Empire and Europe to complete the mausoleum by about 1638-39; the adjunct buildings were finished by 1643, and decoration work continued until at least 1647.

1. The political intrigues that prevailed because of Nur-Jahan, led Prince Khurram to rebel against his father but due to the efforts ofMahabat Khan, a loyal general of Jahangir, the rebellion could not be fruitful. Prince Khurram had to retreat to the Deccan.
2. The intrigues of Nur-Jahan also made Mahabat Khan to rise in revolt which was effectively handled by Nur-Jahan. Mahabat Khan also retreated to Deccan to join Prince Khurram.

(a) William Hawkins
In 1611, King James I obtained from Mughal Emperor Jahangir through William Hawkins, permission for regular trade. The English obtained some trading privileges in Surat.
(b) Sir Thomas Roe
1. In 1615-19 Sir Thomas Roe was sent as an Ambassador of the English King James I.
2. The Viceroy of Gujarat, Prince Khurram granted trading privileges, but the British could not operate freely because the Portuguese exercised a powerful influence in the region.

1. Akbar, enraged by his behavior issued a farman dismissing Bairam Khan.
2. This led to Bairam Khan's revolt which was ably dealt with by Akbar.
3. Bairam Khan, finally agreeing to submit himself to Akbar, proceeded to Mecca.

The Ottomans (Turkish people practicing Sunni Islam) forced Zahiruddin Muhammad Babur, the ruler of Samarkand, to seek his career prospects elsewhere.