Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal (; Hindi: ताज महल, from
Persian/Urdu: تاج محل "crown of buildings", pronounced [ also "the Taj") is a mausoleum located in Agra, India. It is
one of the most recognizable structures in the world.[citation needed]
It was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife,
Mumtaz Mahal. It is widely considered as one of the most beautiful
buildings in the world and stands as a symbol of eternal love.

Taj Mahal is the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that
combines elements from Persian, Islamic and Indian architectural
styles.

In 1983, the Taj Mahal became a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While the
white domed marble mausoleum is the most familiar component of the Taj
Mahal, it is actually an integrated complex of structures. The
construction began around 1632 and was completed around 1653,
employing thousands of artisans and craftsmen. The construction of the
Taj Mahal was entrusted to a board of architects under imperial
supervision, including Abd ul-Karim Ma'mur Khan, Makramat Khan, and
Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. Lahauri is generally considered to be the
principal designer.

Taj Mahal is regarded as one of the eight wonders of the world, and
some Western historians have noted that its architectural beauty has
never been surpassed. The Taj is the most beautiful monument built by
the Mughals, the Muslim rulers of India. Taj Mahal is built entirely
of white marble. Its stunning architectural beauty is beyond adequate
description, particularly at dawn and sunset. The Taj seems to glow in
the light of the full moon. On a foggy morning, the visitors
experience the Taj as if suspended when viewed from across the Jamuna
river.

Taj Mahal was built by a Muslim, Emperor Shah Jahan (died 1666 C.E.)
in the memory of his dear wife and queen Mumtaz Mahal at Agra, India.
It is an "elegy in marble" or some say an expression of a "dream." Taj
Mahal (meaning Crown Palace) is a Mausoleum that houses the grave of
queen Mumtaz Mahal at the lower chamber. The grave of Shah Jahan was
added to it later. The queen’s real name was Arjumand Banu. In the
tradition of the Mughals, important ladies of the royal family were
given another name at their marriage or at some other significant
event in their lives, and that new name was commonly used by the
public. Shah Jahan's real name was Shahab-ud-din, and he was known as
Prince Khurram before ascending to the throne in 1628.

Taj Mahal was constructed over a period of twenty-two years, employing
twenty thousand workers. It was completed in 1648 C.E. at a cost of 32
Million Rupees. The construction documents show that its master
architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time.
The documents contain names of those employed and the inventory of
construction materials and their origin. Expert craftsmen from Delhi,
Qannauj, Lahore, and Multan were employed. In addition, many renowned
Muslim craftsmen from Baghdad, Shiraz and Bukhara worked on many
specialized tasks.

The Taj stands on a raised, square platform (186 x 186 feet) with its
four corners truncated, forming an unequal octagon. The architectural
design uses the interlocking arabesque concept, in which each element
stands on its own and perfectly integrates with the main structure. It
uses the principles of self-replicating geometry and a symmetry of
architectural elements.

Its central dome is fifty-eight feet in diameter and rises to a height
of 213 feet. It is flanked by four subsidiary domed chambers. The four
graceful, slender minarets are 162.5 feet each. The entire mausoleum
(inside as well as outside) is decorated with inlaid design of flowers
and calligraphy using precious gems such as agate and jasper. The main
archways, chiseled with passages from the Holy Qur’an and the bold
scroll work of flowery pattern, give a captivating charm to its
beauty. The central domed chamber and four adjoining chambers include
many walls and panels of Islamic decoration.

The mausoleum is a part of a vast complex comprising of a main
gateway, an elaborate garden, a mosque (to the left), a guest house
(to the right), and several other palatial buildings. The Taj is at
the farthest end of this complex, with the river Jamuna behind it. The
large garden contains four reflecting pools dividing it at the center.
Each of these four sections is further subdivided into four sections
and then each into yet another four sections.