In Mughal history, which of the following emperors was ultimately held captive and imprisoned by his own son for the last years of his life?

Introduction / Context:
This question focuses on a dramatic episode in Mughal imperial history. Power struggles within royal families were common, and succession often involved conflict between fathers and sons. Shah Jahan, the builder of the Taj Mahal, eventually faced rebellion from his sons, leading to his imprisonment. Identifying which Mughal emperor suffered captivity at the hands of his own son helps fix the chronology of later Mughal politics in your mind.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler is a Mughal emperor.
• He was held captive by his own son.
• Options: Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Shah Jahan.
• We assume standard historical accounts of Mughal succession conflicts.

Concept / Approach:
Shah Jahan's later years were marked by a fierce war of succession among his sons—Dara Shikoh, Aurangzeb, Shah Shuja and Murad. Aurangzeb emerged victorious, deposed Shah Jahan and confined him in the Agra Fort, where the emperor is said to have spent his last years with a view of the Taj Mahal. Babur died relatively soon after founding the empire, Humayun was exiled but not imprisoned by his own son, and Akbar maintained strong control over succession. Therefore, the only emperor matching the description is Shah Jahan.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Shah Jahan ruled in the 17th century and built the Taj Mahal for Mumtaz Mahal. Step 2: Remember that his son Aurangzeb rebelled against him and his brothers during a war of succession. Step 3: Note that Aurangzeb eventually seized power, imprisoned Shah Jahan in Agra Fort, and ruled as emperor. Step 4: Compare with other rulers: Babur died as founding emperor, Humayun was driven into exile by Sher Shah, and Akbar died in power. Step 5: Conclude that Shah Jahan is the emperor who was held captive by his son and select him.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard Mughal histories and biographies of Aurangzeb recount that after the civil war, Aurangzeb kept Shah Jahan under house arrest in the Agra Fort from about 1658 until his death in 1666. Shah Jahan's view of the Taj Mahal from his confinement is a well-known image in popular and academic literature. No similar narrative exists for Babur, Humayun or Akbar being imprisoned by their sons, which confirms Shah Jahan as the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option a (Babur) died naturally after establishing the Mughal empire and was not imprisoned by his son Humayun. Option b (Humayun) was temporarily ousted by Sher Shah Suri, not by his own son, and later regained the throne. Option c (Akbar) faced some tensions with his son Jahangir, but he was never held captive by him and died as reigning emperor. These rulers had their own crises, but none were imprisoned by their sons in the way Shah Jahan was by Aurangzeb.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mix up different internal conflicts within the Mughal dynasty and may incorrectly associate Jahangir’s or Akbar’s family disputes with imprisonment. Another pitfall is confusing exile or temporary loss of throne with being physically held captive by a son. To avoid these misunderstandings, remember the specific story: “Shah Jahan – war of succession – Aurangzeb wins – Shah Jahan imprisoned in Agra Fort with a view of the Taj Mahal.” This clear narrative anchors the fact in your memory.

Final Answer:
Shah Jahan was the Mughal emperor who was held captive by his own son, Aurangzeb, during the last years of his life.