Saturday, September 3, 2011

Taj Mahal Monument of Love

The beauty and magnificence of the Taj is best captured in the words of its builder Emperor Shah Jahan.

The Taj Mahal stands in the medieval city of Agra by the banks of the Yamuna River. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. The "Eternal Symbol of Love" was built by the Emperor as a mausoleum for his wife Mumtaz Mahal who died of childbirth. Not only is it phenomenally beautiful but it also symbolises the immense love the Emperor had for his wife with whom he fell in love at first sight. The poignant love story adds a new dimension to the building. It figures among the Seven Wonders of the World. It took 22 years from 1631 to 1653 and the efforts of 20,000 workers to complete the marvelous structure.

Taj Mahal meaning the "Crown Palace" is the epitome of Mughal architecture combining the architectural styles of India, Persia and Islam. It is built of white marble with intricate exquisite ornamentation and inlaid with semi precious gemstones. It is set on a large 300 m garden comprising an integrated complex of structures including the central dome and the cenotaph of Mumtaz Mahal, a multi-chambered base framed by an iwan (an arch-shaped doorway), four minaret and four gateways, a red sandstone mosque and an identical one Jawab in the east probably used for accommodating travellers. Entry is through a 30 m red sandstone gateway engraved with verses from the Quran.

Below the main dome are the false tombs of Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. The emperor was buried here by his son Aurangzeb in 1666. The tomb of the empress is inlaid with 43 different kinds of stones and enclosed by a marble screen. The real tombs are placed in a basement and are not open for public view.

Find information related to Golden Triangle Tour and Taj Mahal One of the wonders of the world at Agra in India

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