Location: On the banks of river Yamuna in Agra, India.
Year of Construction: 1631-1653
Built By: Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan
Built For: In memory of the Emperor’s dead wife
Spread Over: 42 acres
Significance: One of the Seven Wonders of the World
I visited the Taj Mahal about 8 years ago, I was 15years old, and still to this day, I consider it the most amazing piece of architecture I have seen in my life. And it’s rare that the average teenager appreciates something like architecture, so it really must have been something special. If anyone has the opportunity to see it, it’s a definite must. I don’t think anyone can disagree; the pictures of the building look amazing- it only gets more spectacular in real life, as you can’t see the fine attention to detail through mere pictures.
Introduction to The Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal is arguably one of the most incredible manmade constructions in the world. It’s located in Agra, which is in the north central part of Indian, on the right part of the Humana River. Known for its symmetry, the Taj Mahal sits on a raised platform surrounded by four minarets. Inside are delicate mosaic works and marble walls decorated with intricate patterns of inlaid precious stones. 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 Facts
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum (a large tomb). It was commissioned by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan for his favourite wife Empress Mumtaz Mahal, who died in 1631. So great was the Shah Jahan’s love for his wife Mumtaz, that he ordered the building of the most beautiful mausoleum on Earth for her, The Taj Mahal.
Emperor Shah Jahan
Empress Mumtaz Mahal
The construction documents show that its master architect was Ustad ‘Isa, the renowned Islamic architect of his time.
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.
The tomb stands on its own marble base, which rests on a red sandstone platform. Four tall pillars, 138 ft each, rise up from the corners of the white marble base are topped with eight windowed cupolas. This has been made to replicate throne of God in paradise. Directly below the dome rests Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb, which is centrally lined with the main entrance. Besides Mumtaz Mahal’s tomb is the tomb of Shahjahan. The tomb of Shahjahan was not actually intended to be there but Aurangzeb placed it there, consequently breaking the symmetry.
The Taj Mahal is generally considered the finest example of Mughal architecture, a style that combines elements of Persian, Turkish, Indian, and Islamic architectural styles.
Construction of the tomb started in 1632, and was completed in 1648. It took 22 years to complete the tomb, and an extra 5 years for the garden, with the help of 20,000 workers. Sculptors, masons, craftsmen, and calligraphers were called from Persia, Ottoman Empire and Europe to work on construction of the Taj.
The Taj Mahal is built from precious white marbel with dedlicate masiac, with inlaid precious stones. Almost every surface of the entire building has been decorated, and every detail is symmetrical. The mosaic designs are based on three decorative elements- calligrapyh, abtract geonetric and vegetative motifs. The exterior decorations of the Taj Mahal are among the finest to be found in Mughal architecture of any period.
Inside the dome:
Calligraphy:
Mosaic:
The Taj Mahal cost 32million rupees to build, which is roughly $1,000,000.
The tomb initially called “Rauza”. Later, after Mumtaz Mahal passed away, the mausoleum would be called the Taj Mahal, a derivative of the name Mumtaz Mahal.
The architectural complex of the Taj Mahal comprises of five main elements: the Darwaza or main gateway, the Bageecha or garden, the Masjid or mosque, the Naqqar Khana or rest house, and the Rauza or the Taj Mahal mausoleum.
The name Taj Mahal when translated means “Crown Palace” or “Crown of the Palace.”
The Taj Mahal is one of the eight wonders of the world.
Taj Mahal Myths
The Taj Mahal comes attached with many myths and legends; whilst many are strongly believed, others are laughed at. There is evidence to suggest that these rumours are based on truth, but nothing is set in stone.
Many people believe, Shah Jehan had planned to build another Taj Mahal in black marble, which was to be his own tomb on the opposite bank of the River Yamuna and connect the two by a bridge. However, the construction never got started due to conflict with this son’s, which took up most of his time.
Shah Jehan deemed that no one else should ever copy the masterpice, so he had the master craftsmans hands cut off.
Some European scholars held the view that the Taj was designed by an Italian - Geronimo Veroneo. This was first suggested by Father Manrique, an Augustinian Friar, who came to Agra in 1640 A.D. to secure the release of Father Antony who had been imprisoned by the Mughals.
In the early years after the Taj Mahal was built, a long series of cracks in the underground vaults started to emerge. Those cracks were quickly seen to, and patched up. Cracking has been observed at different times since construction; testing in the early 19th Century showed the base of the mausoleum on the northern side of the structure is lower than on the south by 3.5 centimetres. There is some evidence the Taj Mahal is gradually sinking into the Yamuna River.
Taj Mahal Front View
Taj Mahal Birdseye View
Taj Mahal Gateway to the Gardens
Taj Mahal Dome Exterior
Taj Mahal Pilar
Taj Mahal Wall
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"I initially started this website as a complete property idiot;
the plan was to document my every step from property idiot to
property landlord (mission accomplished), in hope that people would
find my site and help me along the way (they did!). Read
about my journey from A-B in my
(2007-06-01 05:13:27)
ITS A WONDERFUL SITE.I GOT TO KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MONUMENTS MAHAL”.A MASTERPIECE THAT DEFINES LOVE.
(2007-06-01 05:16:33)
ITS A WONDERFUL SITE.I GOT TO KNOW SO MUCH ABOUT ONE OF MY FAVOURITE MONUMENTS TAJ MAHAL”.A MASTERPIECE THAT DEFINES LOVE.
(2007-06-08 10:35:33)
Taj Mahal monument is one of the great Ajuba in the world. It is really a magic that one cannot imagine.
(2007-06-08 10:36:47)
Taj Mahal monument is one of the great Ajuba in the world. It is really a magic that one cannot imagine. It is a symbol of love.
(2007-06-22 19:01:38)
The Taj Mahal is the ultimate symbol of love.Nobody could have ever imagined building such a spectacular monument esp. for a DEAD wife……..
(2007-06-28 13:46:41)
Taj Mahal was a Shiva temple before Shah Jahan snatched it. All the subsequent generations were brain-washed to believe what it is today. The idea of the was that, if you change the past, you can control the future.
(2007-06-29 07:05:30)
the ultimate symbol of love is the cross. For God so loved the world that He gave His only son that whosoever believe in Him shall have everlasting life. the Taj is an exquisite piece of unequalled craftsmanship…and self indulgence
(2007-07-03 10:21:39)
I WANT TO SEE THE TAJ MAHAL SOMEDAY!!! IT’S VERY BEAUTIFUL IN THE PICTURES…
(2008-01-13 19:14:35)
dont just dreamed –be practical the world is so small than you imagine……..
(2008-02-03 14:47:22)
i would love to see it too
(2007-07-04 09:54:17)
It looks beautiful, I’ll have to go see it some day.
and kelly you are perfectly entitled to beleive “the ultimate smbol of love is the cross” - but I’m afraid others would disagree, and when people commented that the building was a wonderful symbol of love as a result of its inspiration, I don’t think people were trying to get into a theological debate.
you believe in god, others don’t, its STILL a beautiful building with a touching story of inspiration.
(2007-07-04 18:45:09)
Well said, Jess
(2007-07-06 10:46:47)
The Taj Mahal is a great symbol of love and passion. No doubt about it.
(2007-07-07 04:03:01)
I’ve seen the Taj few months ago. Its a beauty of love. Am glad and honoured, I have seen for real. Despite time, love remains and todate being viewed by people around world and being remembered.
(2007-07-07 04:39:43)
taj mahal- the crown of love is simply a wonder in the history of mankind.
(2007-07-08 04:24:40)
i dont think it should be considered as oen of 7 wonders of the world. All dhoti voting made this happen
(2007-07-08 04:27:27)
Ya true! Almost all the Indians might have voted. Seeing their population, of course, it will secure many votes. It is not fair.
(2007-07-14 02:33:14)
I’m very happy to seeing TAJ MAHAL as one of 7 wonders becuz people voted by lookin’ @ the beauty of this masterpiece and the voting was not only from india it was from all over the world. So thanx to the people who voted and hope others see the true meaning of this great, beautiful monument.
(2007-07-25 06:57:03)
Better would be if Taj is seen as an emotional dedicatin of a king. It is mounment beyond human description. The most important is the vision of Sahjahan who conceptualized such a grand moment. Of course the king would have thought some more modification. How grand whould be that vision !
(2007-07-27 08:34:11)
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i thin the taj mahal is beautiful,someday i will go to see the taj and would like to stay for a whole day to truly experience the taj mahal and its beauty
(2007-12-06 19:11:13)
I got assigned the Taj Mahal for a research project, and i just found a TON of information! i’m giving u a ton of credit!
(2007-12-29 09:38:52)
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I think Taj Mahal is one of the greatest monuments i wish one of those days i will be able to visit it
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(2008-02-25 18:54:07)
Amazing! Wonderful! Spendid!
(2008-03-01 23:03:54)
Thanks this will help me to get facts for my report.
(2008-03-15 23:55:28)
Expect to pay thirty times that of an Indian for admission fee.
Leave all valuables behind including calculators.
Expect to be treated badly by the security staff who seem to dislike Europeans.
The Taj is best seen from the Agra Fort.
Agra is dangerous at night.
Do not walk alone.
(2008-03-06 00:22:47)
I hope one day i egt to go visit the taj mahal and also i’ve never been to india i am doing a project in gr.5 that we have to make a myth about our culture and where our parents came to it would be a great pleasure if you could help me out.:)
(2008-03-10 12:36:15)
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(2008-03-15 23:33:22)
Expect to pay thirty times the amount an Indian pays to get in to the Taj.
You will not be allowed to take in a basic calculator.
Expect to be treated badly by the security staff if you are non-Indian.
Do not take valuables with you.
The city of Agra is very poor.
Do not wander about it at night.
It can be very dangerous.
The view from the Agra Fort to the Taj is best at sunset.
(2008-03-22 03:53:06)
it is a love symbolof th emperor
(2008-04-08 01:57:27)
It has been discovered the the Black Taj is actually not a myth. There was never a physical building known as the Black Taj, however, across the Yamuna River in Shah Jahan’s Moonlight Garden, there are ruins of a reflecting pool. Recent archaeologists have reconstructed a mock pool and filled it with water, mimicking the effect that Shah Jahan would have seen. What they found is an exact mirror image of the Taj, only darker - the Black Taj.
So the myth was that it was a building, but in reality the Black Taj is a beautiful reflection that Shah Jahan could enjoy - he did love symmetry.
(2008-05-01 17:35:08)
that was a cool report
(2008-05-01 17:36:43)
i learned alot of the taj mahal from this website
thanks
(2008-05-07 21:23:16)
Heard it is unlucky to keep a replica of taj mahal at home, is that a common myth?
(2008-05-07 21:24:50)
Hey John,
Never heard that one before. But it sounds interesting; i’d also be interested to know whether or not that’s a common myth.
(2008-05-07 21:29:11)
Thanks, me too, have one at home , can’t say I have been unlucky except I never win a lotto