Taj Mahal
ताज महल
The Taj Mahal is a white marble mausoleum built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed between 1632 and 1653, it is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Key facts
- Built by Emperor Shah Jahan as a tomb for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, who died during childbirth in 1631.
- The main structure is made of white marble inlaid with semi-precious stones in intricate patterns.
- The Taj Mahal stands on a raised platform on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra.
- Approximately 20,000 workers and artisans were employed over 22 years to construct this masterpiece.
- The monument achieves perfect symmetry in its architecture, with four minarets at the corners.
- It attracts over 7 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited monuments in the world.
Details
The Taj Mahal represents the pinnacle of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Central Asian, and Indian architectural styles. The main dome stands approximately 73 meters tall, and the entire complex covers 42 acres. The four minarets, each 40 meters high, are positioned at the corners of the platform and lean slightly outward for stability and aesthetic balance. The marble was sourced from Makrana in Rajasthan, while semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, jade, turquoise, and agate were imported from various regions including Central Asia and Afghanistan. The intricate inlay work features floral patterns and calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran. The cenotaphs of both Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal are housed within the main chamber, though their actual graves are in a lower chamber not accessible to the public. The complex also includes a mosque, a guesthouse, and beautiful gardens laid out in the Mughal charbagh style with reflecting pools that mirror the monument's beauty.