Love is strange and can influence people to do the unthinkable. There have been many stories of people who died just because of love. Brushing aside the Bible story of Sampson and Delilah, there are several other love stories, which has gained a place in the history book.
Here are 7 tragic love stories :
1. Baji Rao and Mastani
The story of Peshwa Baji Rao and Mastani was the one of true love which knew no boundaries. Baji’s marriage to Mastani was strongly opposed by his clan; nonetheless, he married her out of love. Baji died untimely en route to Delhi with his troops. Out of pain, Mastani also committed ritual suicide.
2. Cleopatra and Mark Anthony
Cleopatra was the last Pharaoh of Egypt. As history suggests she was a very beautiful woman who charms men with her glamorous look. She first married Julius Caesar and after his death had a relationship with Mark Anthony. In 41 B.C, Mark Anthony committed suicide when he received false news Cleopatra’s death. After the defeat of Egypt by Octavian, Cleopatra also committed suicide by inducing an asp bite.
3. Bonnie and Clyde
Bonne and Clyde were two famous robbers and con artists in the United States. The two were involved in several crimes and murder during the Great Depression. Falling in love with each other, luck eroded them when their gang members betrayed them. The two received several gunshots after the police ambushed them. The two were buried side-by-side.
4. Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal
Shah Jahan was a Mughal empower and one of the grandsons of Akbar the Great. Though he had three wives, his favourite was Mumtaz Mahal. Sadly, Mumtaz died while giving birth to her 14th child. Shal Jahan for her memory built her a mausoleum called the Taj Mahal. The museum still stands until date.
5. Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson
Edward VIII chose to abdicate the British throne due to his love for Wallis Simpson. Simpson was an American divorcee who Edward fell in love with when he was the heir apparent to the throne. After the death of his father, Edward ascended the throne and decided to marry Simpson. The monarchy, church and Parliament disapproved the marriage and give Edward two options. He was to either discontinue the marriage or abdicate the throne. Edward chose the latter.
6. Rachel Donelson and Andrew Jackson
Rachel Donelson was married to Lewis Robards of Kentucky but fell out of love and asked for a divorce. The divorce was not finalised but she went on to marry Andrew Jackson in 1971. Since divorce was seen as scandalous at that time, Rachel was high defamed and called names. Jackson who was at the time running for presidency also suffered some attacks from his opponents. Rachel got depressed and died from a heart disease. Out of grief, Jackson hugged her dead body hoping she would revive.
7. Ines de Castro and King Pedro
Ines and King Pedro’s love was much more than “until death do us apart”. Pedro who was the heir to the Portuguese throne fell in love with Ines the lady-in-waiting for Princess Constance of Portugal. The two had three children together. After the death of Constance, Pedro tried to make Ines the queen. The King disallowed the process and he later exiled Ines. Pedro and Ins continued to see each other so the King ordered Ines to be murdered. This resulted in a civil war between Pedro and his father the King. After Pedro defeated his father to become the king, he exhumed Ins remains and build her a royal tomb. He made Ins the queen and had all Portugal swear their allegiance to her.
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