On this day in 1631, Mumtaz Mahal died in childbirth. It was her 14th child. She was the star of that early television show, “14 Kids and Dying.” Interestingly, her last baby — a girl, Gauharara Begum — lived to be 75 years old — the second oldest of her children. Mumtaz Mahal was married to Shah Jahan. He was only a couple of months older than she was, and she was the love of his life. When Jahan became the Mughal Emperor of India, she because empress. But none of this is why we remember her.

Jahan was so heartbroken when Mumtaz Mahal died shortly before her 38th birthday, he started to build the Taj Mahal to house here tomb. It took 21 years to build (although it was mostly completed after 11). It is unquestionably one of the greatest architectural achievements in the history of the world. and it is a touching story as well. But I would add that most great art created by men was done to impress and honor what is objectively the better sex.

Happy anniversary the beginning of the Taj Majal!