Delhi in Moghal Times
Shah Jahan now embarked on a programme of building palaces,including the one at Agra; in 1648, he moved into his new palace at Delhi. In
the same year he started his city walls, first building them in stone and mud, but afterwards in lime, for the rains soon played havoc with them. He had previously visited Delhi, in 1634, on his way to Cashmere, and passed through again on his return in the following year. Between Delhi and Agra the wife of Dara Shikoh, his eldest son, presented him with a grandson, and on this occasion of rejoicing he first mounted the wonderful Peacock Throne, which had been seven years in the making.
In 1657 he was seized with a paralytic stroke at Delhi, and was only relieved by copious bleeding. The people were much concerned, and all business was suspended until the bulletins announced his convalescence. He was then moved to Agra by boat, under the superintendence of Dara Shikoh ; but the news of his death had reached the provinces, and each son moved his powerful army towards Agra. Aurangzeb and Murad joined forces, and Dara, with the kings army, engaged them not far from Agra, but was defeated and had to flee. Aurangzeb imprisoned his father, got rid of Murad by Stratagem, and proceeded to Delhi, where he ascended the227
