Amanat Khan: The master calligrapher
Amanat Khan, originally from Shiraz, Iran, migrated to the Mughal court in 1608 and became a celebrated calligrapher. His exceptional work can be seen on various Mughal monuments, including the Taj Mahal and the tomb of Emperor Akbar at Sikandara. Despite his success, Amanat Khan’s most heartfelt project was the construction of Sarai Amanat Khan in honour of his late brother.
A tale of love and loss
After completing his masterpiece, the Taj Mahal, as a tribute to his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Emperor Shah Jahan faced a personal tragedy when Afzal Khan, Amanat Khan’s brother, passed away. In honour of Afzal Khan’s memory, Shah Jahan ordered a tomb to be built in Agra, facing Mecca. Amanat Khan, deeply moved by his brother’s passing, spent his earnings building Sarai Amanat Khan, a symbol of his enduring love and devotion.