This article is about the universally admired masterpiece, the Taj Mahal. It talks about some of the history of the building, what went into its construction, and other general information associated with it. Taj Mahal, commonly known as the “Tomb of Love,” is a sublime example of Mughal architecture. The Taj Mahal was built as a mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal and is located in Agra, India.
The Taj Mahal was built of white marble and elaborately decorated with verses from the Koran, which is often believed to be the only Islamic structure composed predominately of non-Islamic designs. While much about this structure is well-documented, there are still many details that remain hidden and mysterious. The Taj Mahal was completed in 1648 during the reign of Shah Jahan (1628-1658), who was also responsible for designing numerous other structures in Agra, such as the Agra Fort.
Why was it built?
The Taj Mahal is a mausoleum built for Shah Jahan’s favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal, who died while giving birth to their 14th child. The mausoleum is said to represent the dome of paradise, “an earthly representation of the celestial abode where only those blessed with heavenly beauty and purity are admitted.”
The Taj Mahal was built of white marble and elaborately decorated with verses from the Koran. The rose petals are also said to have been inlaid in the building as a symbol of divine love. The structure is known for its delicate workmanship and ornamentation, which is said to have taken 22 years to complete. It took over 1,000 elephants, 10 million cartloads of stone, 2 million bricks, and 20 years to build this monument. In the end, 90% of the people hired on this project were killed, so they could never reveal any secret about how exactly the Taj Mahal was built.
Mumtaz Mahal’s favorite place was Anarkali Bazaar, which is the biggest bazaar complex in Old Delhi. The Lodis built the bazaar during their reign. This was the first time women were allowed to enter this particular bazaar region, which used to be a male-only area.
The Taj Mahal
Who is Mumtaz
Shah Jahan‘s decision to create a tomb for his beloved wife was a new concept in architecture and design. Mumtaz Mahal was fourteen years older than Shah Jahan, and she died during the birth of their 14th child. She had been married to Shah Jahan for 42 years, but her husband was so obsessed with her that he never remarried after her death. He erected a tomb in honor of his wife to show his grief and grief at never being able to regain her love.
Shah Jahan’s decision to create a tomb for his beloved wife was a new concept in architecture and design. Shah Jahan even took his inspiration from some other monuments in India and Persia. At the mausoleum’s entrance lies an inscription was written by the poet Amir Khusro: “Darling, I do not care what may happen to me after I am gone; but I dread lest my name should perish.” It was also built as a symbol of eternal love.
The Taj Mahal had no windows and only one narrow door on the main floor. Both men and women have undertaken their own mourning process for Mumtaz Mahal. That has left its mark on these structures. One side of the Taj Mahal is adorned by an 11-foot-tall statue of Shah Jahan himself. And he is referred to as “The Soul of the Taj” as well as “the embodiment of majesty.” Some accounts say that Shah Jahan was also buried in this mausoleum, but others say that his body was placed in a separate tomb near the Taj Mahal.
Taj mahal’s architecture
Mugal architecture
The Taj Mahal was originally called the “Jama Masjid” (Friday Mosque) and was built according to Islamic designs. The mausoleum has seven entrances, and each entrance has 4 or 7 arches with a single pillar standing in each of their middles. The marble structure has beautiful marble decorations around the whole building, considered the most beautiful building in India. Thus, this is also one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
The Taj Mahal is said to be the largest mausoleum in the world, much larger than other mausoleums that Muslims built. The interior of this structure is not open to the public. However, people must apply for special permission and take a tour guide with them during their visit. For a small fee, they can see inside one of the grounds. But there is no tour available on-site at any time. Since the Taj Mahal is located in India, it is also a sacred spot, and it is against the law to take photos. Tourists must also cover their cameras with a bag before going inside.
The Taj Mahal was built in the 16th century. That time when people had less access to water and resources for basic living. Thus, this particular structure was built very intentionally with a lot of care and responsibility. For example, all materials used to build this mausoleum were brought from far away locations across India. And even from Persia at great cost. Shah Jahan bought the materials using his army from India and Persia to build the Taj Mahal by making some people pay for the materials they needed.
Shah Jahan’s Tomb
Many stories relate to Shah Jahan’s view on architecture says about his tomb. He did not want any new monuments to be built in Agra. That also made it difficult for him to build his own tombstone there. It was finally built in Lahore under his supervision. He is one of the greatest Mughal emperors. And his reign was considered to be one of the most successful periods in the history of India.
tombs in The Taj Mahal
Shah Jahan’s reign marked a golden age for Mughal architecture and culture. The Taj Mahal, his beloved wife’s tomb, is a great example of that. Later, the British defeated the Mughals in 1857, and their empire was dismembered. The British took over Agra and incorporated it into their own empire. There are still many details that remain hidden and mysterious about the Taj Mahal. This structure is a real symbol of eternal love for all ages, not just for Shah Jahan’s time.
