Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a representative architectural masterpiece of the Mughal Empire located in Agra, India. Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built it from 1632 to 1653 as a memorial to his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Built of white marble, the Taj Mahal is considered the finest example of Indo-Islamic art and a masterpiece of world heritage.

Taj Mahal, a Monument of Love

The Taj Mahal is situated on a vast garden beside the Yamuna River, harmoniously incorporating a main gate, a mosque, auxiliary buildings, a pond, and canals. The mausoleum at the heart of the Taj Mahal is an octagonal structure with perfect symmetry, featuring arched entrances known as iwans on each side. A massive onion-shaped dome rises high atop the mausoleum, adorned with smaller domes and minarets. Inside the mausoleum lie the tombs of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal, surrounded by intricate inlay work and calligraphy that captures the eye.

The Taj Mahal showcases the unique architectural style of the Mughal Empire. It represents a fusion of architectural styles and elements from Persia, Turkey, India, and Islam. Notably, it seamlessly blends the Persian charbagh garden style, the dome and minarets influenced by the Timurid Empire, Hindu geometric patterns and colors, and Islamic Quranic verses and arabesques.

The Taj Mahal has been designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts millions of tourists annually. It displays different colors and moods depending on the time of day and season. Especially under the moonlight, the Taj Mahal, glittering in silver, reveals its unparalleled beauty. The Taj Mahal is a symbol of love and a treasure of humanity.

History of the Taj Mahal

The history of the Taj Mahal is inextricably linked to the love story of Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor, ascending the throne in 1628. He deeply loved his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, and accompanied her on numerous wars and travels. Mumtaz Mahal also influenced Shah Jahan's political and diplomatic affairs, and her opinions were highly regarded. Mumtaz Mahal bore Shah Jahan 14 children, but sadly passed away in 1631 while giving birth to their 14th child. Overwhelmed with grief, Shah Jahan resolved to build the most beautiful tomb in the world for her.

Construction of the Taj Mahal began in 1632, employing around 20,000 workers and over 1,000 elephants. Ustad Ahmad Lahauri was the chief architect, and his team comprised experts in various fields. The materials used in the construction were imported from across India and Central Asia, with the white marble specifically sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan. The gemstones used for inlay work were imported from Baghdad, Punjab, Egypt, Russia, Golconda, China, Afghanistan, Ceylon, the Indian Ocean, and Persia.

The construction and decoration of the Taj Mahal's mausoleum were completed in 1648, while the surrounding gardens and ancillary buildings were finished five years later in 1653. The construction of the Taj Mahal cost 32 million rupees at the time, which is equivalent to $827 million in today's value. The Taj Mahal's construction also represents the pinnacle of the Mughal Empire.

However, the construction of the Taj Mahal also contributed to the decline of the Mughal Empire. During the construction, the empire's finances faltered, and excessive taxation and exploitation led to widespread public discontent. As Shah Jahan aged, he gradually lost interest in state affairs. Ultimately, Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, instigated a rebellion, deposed his father, and imprisoned him in Agra Fort. Shah Jahan spent the rest of his life gazing at the Taj Mahal from the windows of Agra Fort and passed away in 1666. His remains were laid to rest beside Mumtaz Mahal in the Taj Mahal's mausoleum.

While the Taj Mahal's construction was a testament to Shah Jahan's love and sorrow, it faced numerous instances of destruction and looting after his death. In the 18th century, Zahir ud-din Muhammad destroyed parts of the Taj Mahal's auxiliary structures and sold the materials. During the 19th century, the British colonial government renovated the Taj Mahal's gardens and built villas and pavilions within them. Furthermore, British soldiers and officials damaged and looted the Taj Mahal's inlay work and gemstones. In the 20th century, various measures were taken to preserve and restore the Taj Mahal, but population growth and industrialization led to pollution and water contamination, causing the white marble to discolor and develop cracks. Currently, the Indian government and UNESCO are collaborating to continue protecting and restoring the Taj Mahal.

How to Visit the Taj Mahal

The information can vary slightly, so it's quicker to check the official website.

Taj Mahal Official Website, Uttar Pradesh Government (India) (tajmahal.gov.in)

www.tajmahal.gov.in

Fun Facts about the Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal has been designated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World and attracts millions of tourists every year. Let's explore some interesting facts about the Taj Mahal.

Although the Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, her remains were actually moved from a temporary burial site before the Taj Mahal's completion. Furthermore, while Shah Jahan's body was also interred beside Mumtaz Mahal in the mausoleum, his tomb is positioned in a way that breaks the symmetry. It's believed that Shah Jahan's son, Aurangzeb, attempted to move Shah Jahan's tomb but failed and ultimately left it as is.

The materials and gemstones used in the construction of the Taj Mahal were imported from around the globe, and its value is known to be immense. Notably, the inlay work on the Taj Mahal utilizes over 28,000 gemstones of 28 different types. These gemstones change color depending on the light. For instance, the glass inlay on the mausoleum's walls appears white in sunlight but blue in moonlight.

The Taj Mahal is renowned for its perfect architectural symmetry. The structure is perfectly mirrored on either side of its central axis, and even the two tombs inside the mausoleum are symmetrical. However, there's one exception to the Taj Mahal's symmetry: a small mosque located at the back of the main gate. This mosque wasn't built for aesthetic symmetry but rather for its functional purpose as a place of prayer. The building that mirrors this mosque is the guesthouse situated at the front of the main gate. It has the same shape and size as the mosque but serves no functional purpose and is purely decorative. In this way, the Taj Mahal harmonizes architectural symmetry with religious function.

The Taj Mahal is considered one of the most beautiful architectural structures in the world, primarily because it's a monument to love. While it was built as a tomb for Shah Jahan's beloved wife, Mumtaz Mahal, it serves as a book that recounts their love story. Their love, sorrow, hope, and forgiveness are expressed through the architecture and decoration of the Taj Mahal. For example, the inlay work on the Taj Mahal features calligraphy of love letters sent from Shah Jahan to Mumtaz Mahal. The gardens of the Taj Mahal are planted with flowers that Mumtaz Mahal enjoyed. Furthermore, the dome of the Taj Mahal bears an inscription expressing Shah Jahan's hope to reunite with Mumtaz Mahal one day. In this way, the Taj Mahal stands as a symbol of the eternal love between Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal.