Taj Mahal Agra is widely considered one of the most beautiful buildings ever created. The exquisite marble structure in Agra, India, is a mausoleum, an enduring monument to the love of a husband for his favorite wife. It's also an eternal testament to the artistic and scientific accomplishments of a wealthy empire.
Shah Jahan, “the King of the World,” took control of the Mughal Empire throne in 1628 very much in love with the queen he dubbed Mumtaz Mahal or “Chosen One of the Palace.” The poets at Agra’s Mughal court said her beauty was such that the moon hid its face in shame before her.
The Mughals were at the peak of their power and wealth during Shah Jahan’s reign, and India’s rich lode of precious gems yielded him much wealth and power. But he was powerless to stop Mumtaz Mahal’s death during childbirth in 1631. Legend has it that she bound him with a deathbed promise to build her the most beautiful tomb ever known.
Taj Mahal Architecture
A renowned architect of those times called Usatad Ahmed Lahori lead the construction of this beautiful white marble monument. The masons, workers and others who were involved in building this structure were brought in from various parts of the world including Italy, France, Turkey, parts of Asia and even Armenia. It took over 2 decades to complete this great construction of pure white marble and over 30 types of expensive precious and semi-precious stones. There is calligraphy on the resting place and the exterior of Taj done with black marble. The pillars slant outwards so that they fall outwards if they ever fall.
Tomb of Mumtaz:
The tomb of Mumtaz is laid out in a rectangular shape. The tomb can be approached via a massive gateway which has an alcove and arch on either side of it. Besides, this majestic heritage site is set amidst lush greenery and the River Yamuna flows at the backdrop of the Taj Mahal. In addition to it, there are numerous fountains and water channels in the entrance which make this monument even more spectacular and leave the people awestruck.
Facts of Taj Mahal:
Apart from it, it is the finest edifices of Mughal architecture and it stands as for the Crown of Palaces in the Persian language. The gardens of this gorgeous building begin from the entryway which is popularly known as Paradise Garden. This garden is made in the Persian Timurid architectural style. This enchanting garden is divided into four parts along with two marble canals that are studded with the fountains. Each quarter portion of this garden consists of 16 flowerbeds and each flowerbed was planted with 400 plants. The Taj Garden abounds with flowers, lush trees, fruits, chirping birds, and enormous reflecting pool, etc. that signify the abstract meaning of paradise.
Night Tour of Taj Mahal:
The night tour at Taj Mahal is available for five days in a month including a full moon night, two nights before and after the full moon. At night time, the Taj Mahal becomes more unreal, sparkling and glowing white.
Every year, thousands of travelers throng Agra to witness the unmatched aura of the Taj Mahal, India. The nearby attractions of the Taj Mahal are Sikandra, Agra Fort, Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, Ram Bagh, Mankameshwar Temple, Akbar’s Tomb and read more about Agra Travel Guide.
