Shah Jahan's wife Mumtaz Mahal was the inspiration for this best-selling perfume of all time
Few fragrances in history have captured the essence of eternal love quite like Shalimar by Guerlain. Created in 1925 by Jacques Guerlain, this iconic perfume was inspired by the legendary romance between Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Their love story, immortalised in the Taj Mahal, also left its imprint on the world of perfumery, resulting in a scent that remains timeless and revered nearly a century after its creation.
Before he became Shah Jahan, he was Prince Khurram, a young royal who fell deeply in love with Arjumand Banu Begum at a bustling bazaar. Her beauty captivated him, and years later, he made her his wife, giving her the title Mumtaz Mahal, meaning the 'Jewel of the Palace.' Their love was legendary—they were inseparable in war and peace.
Mumtaz bore him 14 children, but tragedy struck when she passed away at just 39 years old during childbirth. Devastated, Shah Jahan honoured her memory by building the Taj Mahal, a breathtaking monument to their love.
Inspired by this epic romance, Jacques Guerlain sought to capture the spirit of devotion and passion in a fragrance, according to the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes. He named his creation Shalimar, after the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore, which were built by Shah Jahan for Mumtaz Mahal and were among her favuorite places. In Sanskrit, 'Shalimar' translates to 'abode of love,' making it a fitting tribute.
According to the Encyclopaedia of Perfumes, Guerlain created Shalimar by pouring a bottle of ethylvanillin into a sample of Jicky, an existing Guerlain fragrance from 1889. The result was a warm, sensual, and unforgettable scent, one that would go on to become one of the best-selling perfumes of all time.
Shalimar is a masterful blend of citrus, florals, and deep oriental warmth. The key notes include:
The zesty citrus opening melts into a delicate floral heart, ultimately settling into a rich and luxurious base—a scent designed to linger, much like the undying love of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.
The Shalimar bottle, designed by Raymond Guerlain, was crafted to reflect the grandeur of Mughal art. Modeled after the basins of eastern gardens and Mongolian stupa architecture, the bottle was topped with a striking blue fan-shaped stopper, inspired by an antique silverware piece from the Guerlain family collection. Manufactured by Baccarat Crystal, this exquisite design won the Decorative Arts Exhibition Award in 1925, further cementing Shalimar's status as a work of art.
Launched during the Roaring Twenties, Shalimar was an antidote to the post-war depression, offering women a sense of luxury, passion, and exotic romance. Nearly 100 years later, it continues to be a staple in the perfume industry, celebrated for its rich history and unparalleled sensuality.
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