Riya Shah

  

Volume 9 | Issue II | June 2025

Jericho Senior High School ’26

New York, United States

  

My interest in the Mughal Empire began during a visit to my homeland, where I first learned about the Taj Mahal. What started as a fascination with a famous monument soon evolved into curiosity about how rulers use art to shape public perception. As I read more about the Taj Mahal’s construction and Shah Jahan’s commissioning of the monument, I encountered The Pādshāhnāma, his official court chronicle. I began to notice how its visual and written narratives were carefully constructed. While it took time to turn my curiosity into a focused research question, I eventually centered my work on how art under Shah Jahan functioned as a strategic political tool. Through this process, I came to see how visual culture can foster legitimacy, mask unrest, and even humanize a ruler. Writing for The Schola challenged me to engage more deeply with my sources, sharpen my analysis, and write with precision – a process that changed how I view the way history is told and remembered. Outside of research, I am passionate about art and entrepreneurship and hope to one day open my own gallery: a space that not only showcases diverse artistic voices but also addresses the persistent underrepresentation of women in the art world. I also enjoy painting, spending time with friends, and discovering new TV shows – small but meaningful ways I stay connected to others.